Pallotta Stands With President Trump’s “Essential” Designation For Houses of Worship; Slams Gottheimer’s Silence

RAMSEY, NJ – Today, Frank Pallotta, Republican candidate for New Jersey’s Fifth Congressional District, offered strong support of President Trump’s announcement that Houses of Worship would be deemed “essential” in light of ongoing civil liberties violations happening in states across the country, including New Jersey.

To date, Governor Phil Murphy has not provided a scientific explanation for what distinguishes Houses of Worship from other institutions permitted to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as liquor stores and big-box chains. These stores were allowed to remain open and shoppers were left to self-administer social distancing and other reasonable health measures. Houses of Worship can easily implement the same set of guidelines.  Churches, for example, could easily suspend communion, signs of peace, and joining hands in prayer. Furthermore, churches can limit the number of congregants who can sit in each pew to a maintain adequately spacing.

The primary concern of any government is the health and well-being of their constituents. However, this should go beyond physical health. 1 in 6 people on the US suffer from some form of mental illness.  For many of those who suffer, simply attending service can mean the difference between life and death.  Our Houses of Worship have been shuttered at a time when they are most needed. Suicide ideation is on the rise and is up more than 1000% since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis. Men and women faith are asking only to worship. They seek only the solace and comfort of knowing that in times of crisis they can speak to their God.

“It is clear, given Phil Murphy’s public admission that he was ‘not thinking’ about the Bill of Rights and that he has no strategy as to what is essential. This appears to be an example of government overreach to support a political agenda.” said Pallotta.

He continued: “I am proud to stand with President Trump in providing much-needed support and guidance to our Houses of Worship here in the Fifth District. Josh Gottheimer can always find his way to a camera and a microphone to talk about himself but has not said one word acknowledging the total disregard displayed by the Democrat-led state leadership, for our basic constitutional rights. People of faith in this district deserve to know if he sides with President Trump and the constitution or Governor Phil Murphy and his unchecked ego”.

Given the widespread concern over restrictions placed on Houses of Worship, the Pallotta For Congress Campaign will continue its successful community outreach with guest speaker Pastor Philip Rizzo on the next “Take 5 With Frank” Tuesday May 26th at 6:30pm EST.

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