COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina churches can stay open during a crisis, even amid a pandemic like COVID-19, under a bill Gov. Henry McMaster signed on Tuesday. The bill prohibits the state from closing churches and other places of worship during a state of emergency if other essential services are allowed to operate. However, the state can still require religious organizations to follow safety protocols and occupy rules during emergencies. State Rep. Richie Yow, R-Chesterfield, proposed the legislation after hearing from several religious and conservative leaders about the difficulty they face…
