CODE OF VIRGINIA

CENSORSHIP OF CERTAIN SERMONS PROHIBITED (§ 44-9.1)

Notwithstanding any contrary provisions of law, the religious content of
sermons, homilies, preaching, religious messages, or other speeches within
religious services made by chaplains of the Virginia National Guard while in
Title 32 or State Active Duty status or of the Virginia Defense Force shall not
be censored or restricted by any state government official or agency, so long as
(i) the religious content offered is not in any way a precursor of, introduction
to, or part of any official ceremony, gathering, or formation that is not part
of the religious service; (ii) the content does not urge disobedience of lawful
orders; and (iii) members of the National Guard or Defense Force are not
required to attend the service or event where such content is delivered.

HISTORY: 2015, c. 283.