Judge Slaps California Church With $1M Fine for Holding Services During COVID

Calvary Chapel San Jose, a Silicon Valley church in California, has been fined over $1 million by a Superior Court judge for permitting worshippers to attend services in person without masks during the coronavirus pandemic. The church had violated Santa Clara County’s COVID-19 restrictions, leading to the fine. This decision has come after a long legal dispute between the church and the county, which had imposed some of the toughest pandemic restrictions in California.

Judge Evette Pennypacker stated in her decision that “it should appear clear to all—regardless of religious affiliation—that wearing a mask while worshipping” helps “protect others while still exercising your right to religious freedom.”

The latest ruling goes against the increasing consensus that mask mandates are neither legal nor scientifically proven to help combat the spread of respiratory viruses such as COVID-19. In fact, a study in February revealed that masks did almost nothing to stop the spread of such viruses, leading to questions regarding the necessity of mask mandates.

Calvary Chapel had announced in May 2020 that it would welcome congregants after being closed for two months due to the initial COVID-19 lockdowns. The church’s pastors have claimed that the ability to attend church has been a life-saving experience for many members, who had been struggling with addiction, depression, and possibly death.

The church’s legal battle began after it reopened, with church officials filing a separate federal lawsuit against Santa Clara officials that is currently pending in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Calvary Chapel’s lawyers have stated that they will consider appealing Pennypacker’s decision to a California appellate court.

Santa Clara county counsel James Williams praised Pennypacker’s ruling, stating that “it’s the county’s job to take care of its residents and protect the public health.” The county had initially demanded that the church pay $2.8 million in fines.

Lawyers from the religious liberty firm Advocates for Faith and Freedom, which is representing the church, have stated that the latest ruling gives them ample grounds for appeal. Robert Tyler, the President of the firm, believes that the case will not be resolved until the U.S. Supreme Court gets involved.