AU Urges 4th U.S. Circuit Court To Affirm Virginia’s Ban On Large Gatherings Can Include Houses Of Worship

Americans United for Separation of Church and State today urged the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to protect Virginia residents from the spread of COVID-19 by allowing a public health order banning large gatherings to remain in place without exemptions for religious services.

Americans United filed an amicus brief today in Tolle v. Northam, explaining that it is not only permissible for Virginia to include houses of worship and religious services in the temporary ban of large, in-person gatherings, but it would be unconstitutional to exempt religious gatherings from the order.

The U.S. Constitution makes clear that religious exemptions can be granted only if they won’t cause harm to others. A religious exemption from Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s order would endanger the public health because COVID-19 can spread as easily at religious gatherings as it does at secular gatherings, and it can spread well beyond the people who participate in these events. An exemption also would unconstitutionally grant special privileges to religious activities.

“We appreciate that these public health orders are difficult for everyone, including people of faith who find comfort in religious services during such challenging times,” said Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United. “But COVID-19 doesn’t discriminate between religious and secular gatherings – it can sicken people just as easily at both, putting entire communities in danger. Gov. Northam’s public health order does not violate religious freedom; it ensures religious freedom is not misused to risk people’s lives. We applaud the faith communities who are finding creative new ways to worship together virtually. We will get through this crisis together, even if not in person.” 

Americans United also filed an amicus brief last week in a similar Virginia case, Hughes v. Northam. In that case, the Circuit Court of Russell County ruled last Thursday that Virginia is not required to exempt religious gatherings from its public health order.

“The constitutional guarantee of religious freedom protects the right to practice the faith of one’s choice,” said Alex J. Luchenitser, associate legal director for Americans United. “It also protects others from being harmed in the name of this precious freedom. Gov. Northam’s order respects both public health and religious freedom.”

AU’s Amicus Brief to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Tolle v. Northam.

Americans United is a religious liberty watchdog group based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1947, the organization educates Americans about the importance of church-state separation in safeguarding religious freedom.