Clwyd West MS Darren Millar, who has made repeated calls for face coverings to be scrapped in churches and other places of worship, today asked the Welsh Government why people of faith are still being discriminated against.

Speaking in this afternoon’s meeting of the Welsh Parliament, Darren highlighted discrepancies relating to covid restrictions in Wales, and questioned why people in crowded pubs do not have to wear a face mask, when those attending places of worship do.

He said:  

“Over the weekend there were pubs across the whole of Wales which were packed with non-masked people watching the rugby.  The following day, on the Sunday, there were people who were in churches still required to wear their face coverings in church in order to participate in acts of worship. I don't think that it's right, and many of my constituents don't think that it's right that people can shout and yell at TV screens in packed pubs without the need to wear a mask and, yet, people in places of worship seem to be discriminated against in this way.

“Can I ask you for a statement by the Welsh Government on why places of worship are still facing these very significant restrictions at times when many hospitality venues are not?”

In her responses the Trefnydd, and Minister for North Wales,  Lesley Griffiths MS, said the wearing of face masks in places of worship will be considered ahead of the next three-week review of Covid restrictions in Wales which will take place on Friday.

Darren added:

“Throughout this pandemic when restrictions have been eased in hospitality venues, the First Minister has failed to do the same in places of worship.

“In November, I was at the Principality Stadium, along with over 70,000 other people, and I was able to sing 'Bread of Heaven' without a face covering in sight. Yet, I was not allowed to sing hymns in my own church without a face covering.

“Such significant inconsistencies are absolutely ludicrous and I really hope the First Minister sees sense over before Friday’s review and lifts this unjust restriction in places of worship.”