The Justice Department intervened in a Mississippi church’s lawsuit by saying in a court filing that it 'strongly suggests that the city’s actions target religious conduct' after the church sued police for ticketing congregants during a drive-in service amid coronavirus, Fox News has learned.
The filing stated that the case "raises issues of national public importance regarding the interplay between the government’s compelling interest in protecting public health and safety from COVID-19 and citizens’ fundamental right to free exercise of religion."
“According to the city, ‘ALL businesses and industries deemed essential by state and federal orders’ may continue operations…and the state has designated churches such as the one here as essential,” the filing continued. “Nevertheless, the city barred the church from holding services even if the church adheres to CDC and Mississippi COVID-19 guidelines for essential operations.”
Religious services have become a contentious issue as governments prohibit large gatherings in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus. "Even in times of emergency, when reasonable and temporary restrictions are placed on rights, the First Amendment and federal statutory law prohibit discrimination against religious institutions and religious believers," Barr said in a statement.
The church had been conducting the services for the past three weeks in accordance with social distancing rules, the Alliance Defending Freedom said. Simmons' ban orders church buildings closed for in-person and drive-in services.
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