For Immediate Release

April 8, 2020

Media Contact:

Angela Allmond, Communications Director

Oklahoma Democratic Party

405-536-2412

Oklahoma Democratic Party Calls on Gov. Stitt to Allow No Exemptions for Religious Services

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Democratic Party today issued an urgent plea to Governor Kevin Stitt to allow for no exemptions for religious services, instead asking all Oklahomans to stay home.

“We recognize this is Passover and Holy Week. These are very important religious holidays and many Oklahomans regularly attend religious services and large family gatherings to celebrate these holidays,” said Alicia Andrews, ODP Chair.

“In the interest of protecting all Oklahomans–and saving countless lives–we are calling on the Governor to allow for no exemptions to the stay-at-home rule. It is simply not possible to responsibly social distance in a crowded church, synagogue, or mosque,” Andrews continued.

“We respectfully ask all religious leaders to join with us and put the health of their congregations and the entire state of Oklahoma first. We join with you in celebrating these special holy days and wish everyone a meaningful holiday at home,” Andrews said.

“We also encourage clergy to follow the lead of small and large congregations alike who are holding virtual services. This way, everyone in your worshipping community is connected, but safely,” she said.

States around the country are experiencing new COVID19 hot spots as a result of religious institutions remaining open. Many people have died as a direct result of not abiding the strong warnings to shelter in place. The Oklahoma Democratic Party wants to be certain that the same thing does not happen in Oklahoma.

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For more information about the Oklahoma Democratic Party, visit the party website at okdemocrats.org, or call party headquarters at 405-427-3366.