DOJ warns state, local leaders over reopening plans' impacts on religious gatherings

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

The Department of Justice is putting increasing pressure on state and local leaders over how their reopening plans during the COVID-19 pandemic could impact religious institutions.

The DOJ's civil rights division on Sunday sent a letter to Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak raising concerns that the state's phased reopening could unconstitutionally disfavor houses of worship by restricting in-person services, while other businesses like restaurants and nail salons would be permitted to reopen with moderated capacity.

"We understand these directives were issued in the midst of an uncertain situation, which may have required quick decisions based on changing information," Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Eric Dreiband said in the letter. "We are concerned, however, that the flat prohibition against ten or more persons gathering for inperson worship services — regardless of whether they maintain social distancing guidelines — impermissibly treats religious and nonreligious organizations unequally."

The letter does not explicitly threaten any type of legal action against Nevada, though Dreiband urges Sisolak to amend the state's current policy in order to comply with the free exercise clause of the First Amendment.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/doj-warns-state-local-leaders-over-reopening-plans-impacts-on-religious-gatherings/ar-BB14D55T?li=BBnbcA1

Gawd will protect them - Bill (Opus Dei) Barr

[Thomas Hurt]

1. There shouldn't be a fight over this, let them do what they will. Roll the dice.

[The Magistrate]

2. Toothless, Grandstanding Swill, Sir

[ScratchCat]

3. Keep this in mind

Churches, by law, have to comply with ADA laws. They also have to comply with zoning, building code and a host of other "regulatory" laws. Therefore, the act of physically "going to a church" is not really considered "free exercise", or the church could not be made to comply laws which would create an undue burden.

I just wish one single governor would reply that Churches and Bars are the same here, and they are not equal to grocery stores and pharmacies. We accept that he have to buy food from a store. Nobody needs to go to a "church" to pray or practice their religion, and nobody needs a bar to consume alcohol. This is such a simple issue - buying food is essential; hanging out in crowds for "fellowship" is not.

[rockfordfile]

4. Sounds like typical trump crap

"regardless of whether they maintain social distancing guidelines" That's the problem.

[spanone]

5. the party of states rights?....right

[Brainfodder]

6. Nevada can tell him to fuck off with that notion?

Safety over WTF that BS is?

[stillcool]

7. the Church Police...going after Sin City?

Every day there is something.