Victory for California Catholic Priest as Judge Prohibits COVID-19 Restriction Enforcement

Thomas More Society ^ | 12/10/20 | Margaret Larkin

[marshmallow]

On December 10, 2020, a California Superior Court issued a preliminary injunction protecting Father Trevor Burfitt and his Catholic parishes from the discrimination being heaped on them by Governor Gavin Newsom and those under his authority in the name of COVID-19 prevention. Thomas More Society attorneys are representing Burfitt in his suit against Newsom and other state, county, and municipal officials.

Judge Gregory Pulskamp issued the order on December 10, prohibiting Newsom and the others named in the lawsuit from enforcing COVID-19 related restrictions against Burfitt. The court specifically singled out the provisions of Newsom’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy and his Regional Stay at Home Order as failing to treat houses of worship in a manner “equal to the favored class of entities,” meaning “[e]ntities permitted to engage in indoor activities – also known as ‘essential businesses’ or ‘critical infrastructure’ – includ[ing] big-box retail stores, grocery stores, home improvement stores, hotels, airports, train stations, bus stations, movie production houses, warehouses, factories, schools, and a lengthy list of additional businesses.”

“After more than nine months of tyranny in the name of ‘containing the spread’ of a virus they have failed to contain, the gubernatorial dictators presiding over draconian lockdowns are running out of runway on their claim that churches are somehow more dangerous viral vectors than any of the litany of ‘essential businesses’ crowded with customers that they allow to operate at 100% capacity,” said Thomas More Society Special Counsel Christopher Ferrara.

“The Supreme Court’s decision in Brooklyn Diocese v. Cuomo has opened the way to the liberation of churches from the absurd and bigoted superstition that they are veritable death chambers threatening the entire population. Not even hair salons, which by the services offered necessitate close personal contact, have been subjected to the onerous and barefaced biases heaped upon...........

[frogjerk]

The Supreme Court’s decision in Brooklyn Diocese v. Cuomo

But the great white ape nipplering-wearing-one said it was moot.

[livius]

He’s already backed off on it, realizing he was going to lose. So in his case it was moot, but at least the court gave an order that could be used in the future.

The Thomas More Society (mostly Catholic lawyers) has been doing great things for everybody, Catholic, Protestant or Jewish. I think I’ll go donate a few bucks to them right now...