The DOJ Director of Communications tweeted out yesterday that social distancing must be “applied evenhandedly” during the coronavirus crisis. This signaled a possible move next week by the DOJ to take action against local governments that have cracked down on religious services where worshipers are social distancing or even in their own car:
“While social distancing policies are appropriate during this emergency, they must be applied evenhandedly [and] not single out religious [organizations].”
During this sacred week for many Americans, AG Barr is monitoring govt regulation of religious services. While social distancing policies are appropriate during this emergency, they must be applied evenhandedly & not single out religious orgs. Expect action from DOJ next week!
— Kerri Kupec DOJ (@KerriKupecDOJ) April 12, 2020
RULINGS HAVE BEEN ALL OVER THE MAP:
Tucker Carlson spoke with Pastor James Hamilton and Kelly Shackelford of First Liberty Institute about the incident (see video below) in which the churchgoers at Pastor Hamilton’s Greenville, Mississippi church were fined by police for gathering in their cars for a church service:
“Cars in parking lots are fine. It’s only a crime if the cars in the parking lot are at the church parking lot.”
Video from Pastor Hamilton of King James Bible Baptist Church in Greenville, MS. Church tried the “drive-in” method of holding services & were targeted due to the Mayor issuing an order prohibiting such services. Watch as an officer tells the Pastor that his rights are suspended.
Video from Pastor Hamilton of King James Bible Baptist Church in Greenville, MS. Church tried the “drive-in” method of holding services & were targeted due to the Mayor issuing an order prohibiting such services. Watch as an officer tells the Pastor that his rights are suspended. pic.twitter.com/zLdT6Qd8ew
— Nick Short (@PoliticalShort) April 11, 2020
Also, Kentucky’s Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear planned a statewide order to put people into quarantine if they attend mass gatherings, including religious ones. Republicans and religious organizations from around the state are outraged. On the other hand, a Louisville, Kentucky church sued and won the right to have a drive-in service on Easter.
A Virginia drive-thru prayer sign:
Rulings are all over the place, and the DOJ spokesperson said that AG Barr is “monitoring” the situation across the country where local church leaders are pushing back on the Mayors and Governors of their state to have religious services on Easter and beyond.
A list of what each of the 50 states plans to do about religious gatherings in response to the coronavirus
President Trump tweeted out that he would be watching and not attending Easter services:
Thank you, President @realDonaldTrump! We are honored to have you join us and are grateful for your strong leadership of our country. https://t.co/KIVxbaeFPl
— Dr. Robert Jeffress (@robertjeffress) April 11, 2020