A Baker County judge on Monday granted a preliminary injunction to 10 churches, including Elkhorn Baptist in Baker City, who sued the governor. The judge ruled Gov. Kate Brown’s restrictions on religious gatherings “null and void’’ because her emergency order due to the coronavirus pandemic had exceeded its 28-day limit. BAKER CITY — A Baker County judge on Monday granted 10 churches who sued the governor a preliminary injunction, finding Gov. Kate Brown’s restrictions on religious gatherings “null and void” because her emergency order due to the coronavirus pandemic had exceeded its 28-day limit. Circuit Judge Matthew Shirtcliff found the plaintiffs had shown “irreparable harm” from the deprivation of the right to exercise their religions. “The governor’s orders are not required for public safety when plaintiffs can continue to utilize social distancing and safety protocols at larger gatherings involving spiritual worship,” he ruled. He found that the churches can take necessary social distancing precautions, just as grocery stores and other essential businesses have done. He also ruled that the injunction was in the public’s interest, allowing people the right to freely worship and the ability to restore economic viability. “This court understands that the current pandemic creates an unprecedented […]
