Last Thursday, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito stated during a speech before the Federalist Society that “in certain quarters, religious liberty is fast becoming a disfavored right.” And is viewed by some as “not a cherished freedom, it’s often just an excuse for bigotry and it can’t be tolerated, even when there is no evidence that anybody has been harmed.” Alito then noted cases where coronavirus restrictions that “blatantly discriminated against houses of worship” in California and Nevada were upheld by the Supreme Court, stating that in both cases, the rationale was that the court should defer to the governors. Alito continued that this deference meant that Nevada treated “casinos more favorably than houses of worship.”
Two weeks ago, Santa Clara County, CA authorities filed a lawsuit against Calvary Chapel San Jose Senior Pastor Mike McClure. Pastor McClure personally faces at least a $350,000 fine for an alleged violation of California Governor Gavin Newsom and county restrictions on maximum occupancy for in-person meeting for church services, as Calvary Chapel San Jose has been holding indoor services since May. The church, McClure said, “cares about the whole body.” The pastor said he was not forcing anyone to come to church in person. “I don’t want to break the law but … I’m called to preach the Gospel.”
Acknowledging the fines and legal challenge, McClure told his congregation, “There are people who are accusing us that we are trying to kill people, that we don’t care about people. That’s the farthest thing from the truth.” Over the past five months, not one congregant has contracted COVID-19, they have contributed zero to the infection rate of this county. He said there could be a restraining order against the church by the following Sunday and that when congregants come, “you may be breaking the court order and they may arrest you, or give you a fine, or a citation.”
On November 6, San Diego Superior Court Judge Joel R. Wohlfeil ordered San Diego to reopen strip clubs, even as local officials crack down on churches. The owners of two strip clubs argued that their business is legally protected speech guaranteed by the First Amendment—the same argument that San Diego churches have been making about their own services.
“Essential services” like abortion mills, casinos and strip clubs are treated more favorably than churches…. Almost certainly, one unfortunate thing that will carry on after this election is decided is the continued unfair treatment of religious individuals and organizations. That’s where Pacific Justice Institute steps in to help at no charge to our clients. PJI has over fifty open cases today, more than at any time in our history; and over one quarter of these are criminal cases. Will you help us today with a gift of support to help us continue to provide justice for all who need it?
The generosity of people like you allow us to represent, defend and protect people and organizations who are discriminated against on the basis of religious freedom, parental rights, the sanctity of life and other civil liberties. PJI is honored to represent our clients free of charge, whose cases could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to litigate through private sector legal defense.
Thank you for your consideration and God Bless.
Running the Race,
Brad Dacus
Founder and President
The Pacific Justice Institute
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