Facing ADF lawsuit, Washington governor updates COVID-19 order, loosens restrictions on churches

The following quote may be attributed to Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Ryan Tucker, director of ADF’s Center for Christian Ministries regarding Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s COVID-19 order updated Tuesday that lifted the hard cap of 200 people for churches and other religious gatherings:

“Gov. Inslee has finally acknowledged that even during this difficult time, the First Amendment cannot be put away and forgotten. As the Supreme Court recently affirmed, the Constitution doesn’t allow government officials to treat religious Americans like second-class citizens. There is no constitutional right to cannabis or alcohol, but there is one that protects attending worship services. We’re grateful the governor has acknowledged our clients’ First Amendment freedoms. Yesterday’s announcement from the governor is not only a win for Christ’s Church of Mt. Spokane and Westgate Chapel, it’s good news for all Washingtonians.”

In May, ADF attorneys filed Christ’s Church of Mt. Spokane v. Inslee in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, after the governor labeled spiritual gatherings as “COVID-19 ‘superspreader’ events,” and enacted a ban that uniquely restricts church gatherings.”