As the craziness in California took place during the COVID-19 lockdowns, mask mandates, and students learned virtually, while Governor Gavin Newsom’s children learned at an in-person private school, and he wined and dined at the French Laundry, unmasked, with more than 10-people, defying his own and “CDC guidelines.” During that same time, a California church dared defy Newsom’s “rules,” and they withstood the COVID restrictions set forth regarding indoor public gatherings.
Mike McClure (Calvary Chapel pastor) won Monday’s nearly two-year long legal battle against Santa Clara County.
Breaking News
A CA Appeals court today overturned more than $300k of sanctions against Calvery Chapel San Jose because it was not closing down during COVID.
They could not be shut down by the government because of 1st Amendment. A judge would not approve them refusing to follow an order.
— Mark Meuser for U.S. Senate (@MarkMeuser) August 16, 2022
The pastor of Calvary Chapel spoke to “Fox & Friends,” along with his attorney Mariah Gondeiro.
McClure told host Ainsley Earhardt: “It’s a blessing for the First Amendment.”
He also added:
“Pastors across the country, I think we need to realize that we have this freedom that God’s given us, and we’re needed more today than ever with the hope, truth, love…”
Gondiero claimed that it was because of the precedent set by the United States Supreme Court on this issue that the appellate court dropped charges.
“The Supreme Court has been very clear over the last year that these orders violated the First Amendment. This is a religious freedom case, and they violated the First Amendment because they discriminate against religion.”
“The county as well as the state of California allowed a lot of essential businesses – or businesses that they deemed essential – to stay opened, but not this church.”
The problem with the state of California allowing “essential” businesses to stay open is that the state decides what is “essential” and what is not.
McClure was asked about the county trying to fine him $2.8 million for COVID “violations.”
He declared:
“If it’s jail time, I’m ready for whatever. Honestly, I’m not wanting to fight the county. I think that they just don’t understand the Constitution.”
“The fees are something I have honestly not thought about.”
Gandiero said the church would also have a “complete victory” in that case.
Below is an excerpt of what happened during the lockdowns. The restrictions prevented churches from operating. However, Calvary Chapel and other churches managed to survive. Democrats denigrate big businesses, which allowed them to continue operating and made huge profits. It was the same with churches. They were not permitted to run properly, just like small businesses.
McClure’s win is also an victory against tyranny, and for the First Amendment.