A U.S, district judge said yesterday (Wed) that he will deny a request by three Southern California churches to hold in-person church services during the pandemic. The federal judge said that the government’s emergency powers trump what would be fundamental constitutional rights in normal times.
Los Angeles Federal judge Jesus Bernal said he will reject the temporary restraining order the churches sought against Gov. Gavin Newsom and other officials. The churches argued that the state’s stay-at-home orders violate the First Amendment right to freedom of religion and assembly.
Those defending the order said churches are not singled out and many other public gatherings have been prohibited.
