Three California pastors are suing California Gov. Gavin Newsom over an order that stopped worshipers from attending church services because of the coronavirus outbreak.
CNN reported the suit was filed Monday in the U.S. District Court for the District of California.
It claimed California officials abused their power and deprived worshipers of “fundamental rights protected by the U.S. and California constitutions, including freedom of religion, speech and assembly, and due process and equal protection under the law.”
CNN noted that Newsom had issued a stay-at-home order on March 19 for the state. However, just before Easter he said those planning to worship could do so as long as they did it safely.
“As you pray, move your feet at least six feet apart from someone else," he said. "Practice your faith but do so in a way that allows you to keep yourself healthy, keep others healthy."
Dhillon Law Group filed the suit on behalf of the pastors and one church member. The law firm is led by Republican Party official Harmeet Dhillon, according to the news network.
Meanwhile, The Sacramento Bee reported earlier this month that 71 members of the Bethany Slavic Missionary Church near Rancho Cordova or people associated with congregation members have come down with the virus.
Jeffrey Rodack ✉
Jeffrey Rodack, who has nearly a half century in news as a senior editor and city editor for national and local publications, has covered politics for Newsmax for nearly seven years.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.