California COVID-19 Limits On Worship Services Challenged

Suit was filed last week in a California federal district court challenging Gov. Gavin Newsom's various COVID-19 restrictions on indoor worship services. The complaint (full text) in Harvest Rock Church, Inc. v. Newsom, (CD CA, filed 7/17/2020), points to the total prohibition on indoor worship services in 30 counties, numerical and capacity limits on worship services in other counties, a ban on singing or chanting during indoor worship services, a ban on small-group Bible studies in private homes, and discriminatory limits on the kinds of activities that can be carried on in church buildings. The complaint alleges violations of free exercise, freedom of assembly and free speech rights, as well as of the Establishment Clause, Equal Protection, and Guarantee Clause. Liberty Counsel issued a press release announcing the filing of the lawsuit.