Church's Challenge To California Stay-At-Home Orders Is Rejected

In Cross Culture Christian Center v. Newsom, (ED CA, May 5, 2020), a California federal district court refused to enter a temporary restraining order against enforcement of state and county COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. The orders were challenged by a church wishing to hold in-person services. Rejecting plaintiff's free exercise claim, the court held that the orders are neutral laws of general applicability subject only to rational basis review.