U.S. Justice Department sides with church in COVID-19 religious dispute

From the article:

Department lawyers filed a statement of interest in support of Temple Baptist Church, which claims Greenville is seeking to prevent it from holding drive-in church services that comply with social distancing guidelines.

“The facts alleged in the complaint strongly suggest that the city’s actions target religious conduct” in violation of the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment, the lawyers wrote.

I'm glad that they're stepping up in support of citizens. In this case the church was reported to be maintaining social distancing during these services. I think that's a good compromise that allows people to still exercise their rights while doing what they can to reduce the spread of the virus.

With what I hope is a large protest in Michigan and this show of support from the DOJ let's hope that politicians are taking notice. A measured response to national emergencies does not include sweeping suspensions of rights.

a reply to: Ksihkehe

The constitution is there to PROTECT the government from what happens when they fail to secure "life liberty and the pursuit of happiness". And the jack boots and totalitarian socialists know this. They would do very well to watch their mouths in this type of political climate. I would love to see most hanged, and entire departments removed. This world needs a revolution like no other time in history. Hate to break it to you all, but I have NO faith in government WHATSOEVER and will be acting accordingly. It's NOT in their best interests to secure "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." And that's precisely why they violate their oaths time and time again.

I will gladly die or go to prison before I forsake the freedom of others in order for politicians to save face. DOWN with the liars and frauds!

a reply to: Ksihkehe

Uhhh. . . where the f### is the ACLU?

a reply to: JimERustler

The constitution spells out citizens rights. They are not granted by government. The government fears the constitution more than anything. It gives the people the right (and the duty) to rebel against oppressive government.

It's neat how this church was broadcasting on a am frequency with very low power, which allowed people to sit in cars around the church and listen to the pastor's sermon.

The police went car-to-car writing $500 tickets and telling the people to go home or face arrest.

originally posted by: carewemust
It's neat how this church was broadcasting on a am frequency with very low power, which allowed people to sit in cars around the church and listen to the pastor's sermon.

The police went car-to-car writing $500 tickets and telling the people to go home or face arrest.

People just wanting to practice their religion...

The city sees it and thinks "cha-ching!"

Sad times in America... How long until the breaking point? Anger is definitely becoming more than a simmer for many.

a reply to: Ksihkehe

You don’t have to agree but I believe the church can claim to be an essential service and they would have to be allowed to be open as long as they followed the same Social Distancing as other esential services.

I think with the separation of church and state no government could deny the rights of churches to claim they are essential. As I believe the majority of their congregations would agree that the services are essential in their lives.

a reply to: JimERustler

Are we going to see you on the news anytime soon?

The internets are getting boring.

Please advise.

originally posted by: Isurrender73
a reply to: Ksihkehe

You don’t have to agree but I believe the church can claim to be an essential service and they would have to be allowed to be open as long as they followed the same Social Distancing as other esential services.

I think with the separation of church and state no government could deny the rights of churches to claim they are essential. As I believe the majority of their congregations would agree that the services are essential in their lives.

Essential service is a made up classification based on which jackass politician says it. There is no way to claim it because it's an arbitrary definition with shockingly little thought put into it.

The Constitution is the only argument they need.

originally posted by: Ksihkehe

originally posted by: Isurrender73
a reply to: Ksihkehe

You don’t have to agree but I believe the church can claim to be an essential service and they would have to be allowed to be open as long as they followed the same Social Distancing as other esential services.

I think with the separation of church and state no government could deny the rights of churches to claim they are essential. As I believe the majority of their congregations would agree that the services are essential in their lives.

Essential service is a made up classification based on which jackass politician says it. There is no way to claim it because it's an arbitrary definition with shockingly little thought put into it.

The Constitution is the only argument they need.

Aka, buy the governor dinner a few times, get your money maker declared essential.

Good news! And the constitution should be protected, because goverments do try to set tyranny and bypass the constitution .

While I disagree that church is an essential service, I thought that the drive in church services was a creative work around that should have been acceptable to both sides. Was rather disappointed this church got slammed for it.
We are gonna need these types of creative, out of the box solutions to get life back on track. It should be encouraged and not slammed by the govt like that.

I heard some Pastors recorded services and streamed on You Tube with a Paypal link to help replace the plate offerings.
Side channel chat was fairly active.