Stripped Of Their Rights? CA Strip Clubs Allowed To Open – But Not Churches

Eric Scheiner | November 18, 2020
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Two “adult entertainment” clubs in San Diego won a court ruling temporarily stopping enforcement of recent COVID-related cease-and-desist orders issued by the county health department.

Judge Joel R. Wohlfeil granted a request earlier this month for a temporary injunction that stops “any government entity or law enforcement officer from enforcing" cease-and-desist orders filed against two adult establishments, because the order violates “the constitutional protections of free speech, equal protection and due process.”

What was that First Amendment again?

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

 

It would seem like the exercise of religion fits right in there with free speech. That notion doesn't seem to hold in California courts, however.

 

As LifesiteNews Notes:

In contrast, courts in California have refused to enjoin these same COVID-19 restrictions against houses of worship. As a result, in many counties — including San Diego — churches are closed for indoor services while strip clubs remain open indoors. In other words, California courts have currently extended greater constitutional protections to strip clubs than churches.

Thomas More Society Special Counsel Paul Jonna observed, ‘This is a constitutional travesty that must be immediately rectified. As one California judge aptly noted — you can’t treat a church like a hair salon because churches are entitled to greater protection under the Constitution. And you certainly can’t treat a church like a strip club. In California, churches are being treated worse than strip clubs. The constitutional right to worship God is infinitely more important than any right to entertainment.’

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