California churches sue Gavin Newsom, reigniting coronavirus religious liberty battle

Three California churches sued Gov. Gavin Newsom after the Democratic governor mandated they suspend singing during the state's coronavirus resurgence.

The churches, which filed the suit on Wednesday in a federal court in Sacramento, are seeking an exemption from a July 1 executive order requiring them to "discontinue singing and chanting" at services. Like other coronavirus-related church lawsuits, it argues that the order treats churches differently than other sectors of society, saying that Newsom "has been unwavering in his support of massive protests," where much chanting has occurred. 

"When asked to explain whether people should heed Newsom’s mandate and avoid large crowds and gatherings, Newsom refused to place the same restrictions on protesters and explained ‘we have a Constitution, we have a right to free speech,’ and further stated that ‘we are all dealing with a moment in our nation‘s history that is profound and pronounced — do what you think is best,'" the complaint said.

The complaint said that Newsom's order does not extend the same leniency to churches, instead threatening them with a "fine, imprisonment, or both" if they violate the singing ban.