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President Trump has announced a new policy that treats churches as “essential” during the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
“The governors need to do the right thing and allow these very important essential places of faith to open right now – for this weekend,” Trump said on Friday.
“If they don't do it, I will override the governors.”
Trump made the announcement, which will see churches treated as essential in new Centers for Disease Control guidance, at a briefing at the White House.
“In America, we need more prayer not less,” said Trump.
“Some governors have deemed the liquor stores and abortion clinics as essential but have left out churches and other houses of worship.
“It's not right. So I'm correcting this injustice and calling houses of worship essential.”
“The United States Department of Justice will continue to ensure that religious freedom remains protected if any state or local government, in their response to COVID-19, singles out, targets, or discriminates against any house of worship for special restrictions,” said Barr.
“Even in times of emergency, when reasonable and temporary restrictions are placed on rights, the First Amendment and federal statutory law prohibit discrimination against religious institutions and religious believers.
“Government may not impose special restrictions on religious activity that do not also apply to similar nonreligious activity,” Barr added.
Alliance Defending Freedom, a legal group which has filed a number of actions on behalf of churches targeted by state coronavirus orders, has called for churches to reopen commensurate with what is allowed for businesses and other groups.