America

First Amendment Fight: Houses of Worship Battle State Lockdowns

Churches, synagogues, and mosques, across the country, are still fighting to reopen properly, as one of the most common arguments presented is that people can’t gather in a house of worship, but nothing bars them from doing so at stores or other locations, leading to a violation of the First Amendment. 

Churches Suing, No In-Person Services 

The lawsuit is pushing to remove Gov. Kate Brown’s executive order, which limits in-person services to 25 people. 

“In Douglas County, Ore., Pastor [Robert] Miller may be jailed for going to church with 25 other people on a Sunday morning, but can join those same people and more at a dine-in restaurant for Sunday lunch with no penalty.” 

-A complaint filed in federal court by two Oregon churches 

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Friday in favor of California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s ban of in-person services, although Newsom allowed churches to reopen with the capacity being limited to 25% or 100 people – whichever is less. 

Illinois churches have also made an emergency request challenging Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s order limiting services to 10 people, despite acknowledging religious services as essential. This case saw the churches getting the Justice Department’s support against Pritzker’s order. 

President Trump also expressed his support for religious services, saying that states should make them “essential” and reopen them, warning that those who don’t go along with this will be overridden. 

Governors, however, are defending the restrictions they’ve put in place, saying that they’re all aimed at limiting the novel coronavirus’ spread and keeping the community safe and healthy, as many states are nearing their second or third phases of reopening, which will further relax the measures. 

Reactionary Times News Desk

All breaking news stories that matter to America. The News Desk is covered by the sharpest eyes in news media, as they decipher fact from fiction.

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