California is still trying to collect a huge fine from a church that defied the government during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Calvary Chapel San Jose refused to comply with Governor Gavin Newsom’s and Santa Clara County’s orders to restrict indoor worship services while allowing exemptions for secular activities.
Federal, state, and local governments overreacted to the pandemic, closing or restricting everything from schools to businesses to churches. As the pandemic wore on, the government allowed exemptions for certain gatherings.
Calvary Chapel remained open and didn’t require members to wear masks or maintain a “safe” distance. The government fined the church, and the fine began to accrue.
A lower court ruled that the church had to pay over $1.2 million in fines for violating government mandates. An appellate court upheld the ruling.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Tandon v. Newsom (2021) that religious gatherings couldn’t be treated worse than secular gatherings, which was clearly the case in California. Calvary Chapel has asked the high court to rule in its favor and strike down the fine. From the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), Calvary Chapel’s legal counsel:
The Calvary Chapel case is part of a troubling pattern we’ve witnessed across the country. During the pandemic, we saw churches forced to close while liquor stores remained open, worship services limited to small numbers while big box stores welcomed crowds, outdoor religious gatherings banned while protest marches were celebrated, and clergy arrested for holding services while secular gatherings proceeded unimpeded.
As ACLJ said, the outcome of this case will set a precedent for the future. How will the government treat churches during the next public health emergency? Religious worship must not be suppressed by government mandates.
