Arizona state Sen. Sylvia Allen said Tuesday that maybe mandatory church attendance would help the country experience a “moral rebirth” since religion is being worn away.
Allen didn’t propose the idea with any serious intent, but brought it up during a meeting when concealed weapons permits for guns were being discussed.
“I believe what's happening to our country is that there's a moral erosion of the soul of America,"
Allen said, according to KPHO. “It's the soul that is corrupt. How we get back to a moral rebirth I don't know. Since we are slowly eroding religion at every opportunity that we have. Probably we should be debating a bill requiring every American to attend a church of their choice on Sunday to see if we can get back to having a moral rebirth.”
Acknowledging that such a thing would not even be debated or possible, Allen added, “I'm going to vote yes that people who are responsible who have a [concealed carry weapons] permit don't have to worry about their guns as they're out and about and doing business in whatever building they're in except ones that where they aren't allowed."
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Many went online to express their disgust with any suggestion of a state-ordered religion:
“Our Father who art in heaven ... could you take a moment out of your busy schedule and come down here, please? We need You to explain a few things to Arizona state
State Sen. Sylvia Allen,” wrote Arizona Republic columnist EJ Montini.
Allen told the Arizona Capitol Times that her comment was made flippantly, but that she recalls the 1950s nostalgically. “People prayed, people went to church. I remember on Sundays the stores were closed. The biggest thing is religion was kicked out of our public places, out of our schools.”
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