Federal Judge Blocks NC Governor’s Restrictions On Religious Services
BY Herschel Smith
4 years, 6 months ago
Slapped Roy Cooper around like the punk he is.
A federal judge’s order Saturday allows North Carolina religious leaders to open their doors to their congregations, in spite of the governor’s warning that they risk spreading coronavirus.
Gov. Roy Cooper said he wouldn’t appeal the ruling blocking his restrictions on indoor religious services.
Saturday’s order pointed out that while only up to 10 people are allowed inside for religious services under Cooper’s stay-at-home order, that same standard doesn’t apply to other entities, such as businesses that are limited to 50% capacity, and funeral services, which allow up to 50 people.
“The record, at this admittedly early stage of the case, reveals that the Governor appears to trust citizens to perform non-religious activities indoors (such as shopping or working or selling merchandise) but does not trust them to do the same when they worship together indoors,” states Judge James C. Dever III’s ruling in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina Eastern Division.
The temporary order comes after two Baptist churches, a minister and a Christian revival group filing a lawsuit against the Democratic governor Thursday, saying his executive order violates their First Amendment freedom of religion and other constitutional rights, The News & Observer reported.
A hearing is scheduled May 29 on whether the order will become permanent.
Until that time, the judge’s order prevents Cooper from taking enforcement actions against religious worshipers, but also states they should observe recommendations for social distancing and reduce transmission of the virus when possible.
“The court trusts worshipers and their leaders to look after one another and society while exercising their free exercise rights just as they and their fellow citizens (whether religious or not) do when engaged in non-religious activities,” Dever’s order states.
I hope he sees fit to make it a permanent injunction. Meanwhile, I suspect that Cooper isn’t challenging this because he knows he’ll lose.
On May 18, 2020 at 7:11 am, Fred said:
The not evenly applied argument doesn’t satisfy me at all. The judge seems to indicate in the nuance that tyranny is just fine, as long as everybody gets the dot gov boot on their neck to same the degree.
I wonder if the American Church is going to realize what is being done? Nope; the democrats are after trump, that’s their answer. Fox news is their god.
On May 18, 2020 at 9:04 am, Chris said:
Here in Pa church services have restrictions completely lifted 3 weeks ago. Our church and many more are still not open. Our minister, a 2a and 1a supporter still sits on the fence. Doesn’t seem to want to offend anyone. It’s a shame. It’s been a fantastic bible based church to attend and serve at. His replies to my questions have made my wife and I consider looking for another place to worship. And up to this point, they’ve been quite an anchor in our local communities and a Blessing to many of us.
“Traditional” churches have been dead for so long it’s no wonder only the elderly attends them. They have nothing to offer, unless you support LGBTQ whatever and want to remain PC. We searched for years Until we found this church we currently worship at.Truly sad times. But my wife and I know how this ends, so we’re not fearful at all.
On May 22, 2020 at 5:29 pm, Faramir said:
My church has finally begun the reopening process. I think this entire “pandemic” and “response” has resulted in the most comprehensive cozening of the American church in history. What’s disappointing is how easily the civil government in my state has manipulated churches into closing down, all without ever actually requiring them to. When will the Church say, “No”?