Blue-Laws Repealed

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 19, 1909

Blue-Laws Repealed

THE Buffalo Express of Aug. 5, 1909, under the above heading, contains the following regarding Sunday legislation in Connecticut, the home of the “blue-laws:”—

“The House to-day passed, in concurrence with the Senate, a bill liberalizing the Sunday. By it the so-called blue-laws relating to the Sunday, which forbid almost every form of recreation and all secular activities except such as are acts of necessity and mercy, will be wiped out, if Governor Weeks signs the little bill.

“One of the laws specifically repealed is that which provides for a fine of four

dollars on each person who shall attend a concert or entertainment on the Lord’s day.

“The new Sunday bill defines the Sunday, and prohibits all sport and secular activities, except such as are demanded by necessity and mercy and such as are for the ‘general welfare of the community.’ The penal section provides both fines and imprisonment for violation.

“Under the words ‘general welfare of the community’ Sunday baseball is probably permitted.

“The opponents of the bill fear that theaters and all forms of amusement can be held on Sunday until the courts shall have decided that such diversions are not for the welfare of the people.”