ADF letter prompts Indianapolis, Marion County to issue new order that no longer targets churches

The following quote may be attributed to Alliance Defending Freedom Legal Counsel Paul Schmitt regarding the Marion County Public Health Department’s notice issued Wednesday, after receiving a letter from ADF, that it has relaxed restrictions that prevented Castleview Church from holding services when shopping malls, retail stores, or restaurants were able to operate with fewer restrictions:

“The First Amendment is not suspended during times of crisis. Although government leaders can certainly concern themselves with public health and safety, they can’t treat church services differently than similar types of gatherings. Churches and other houses of worship occupy a special place in our communities, and they deserve the respect of government officials. Although Marion County’s new order needs to go further to fully recognize the rights of churches and religious believers, we are grateful that the county’s new ordinance confirms Castleview’s right to hold its worship services.”