UPDATED: Third Circuit Rules 2-1 Against Pastor Bullock in Coronavirus Restriction Case
UPDATED Sun, May 31 6am – In an emergency appeal, the Third Circuit ruled 2 to 1 against Pastor Dr. Christopher Bullock of Wilmington on technical grounds.聽 Attorney Thomas Neuberger says that in his dissent, Judge Peter Phipps indicates that when the technical issues are removed, in the normal course of the case, Pastor Bullock will win his case because his religious freedoms have been denied.聽 Pastor Bullock says that the Governor鈥檚 restrictions on churches and houses of worship in his State of Emergency are in violation of the Constitution.聽 A meeting with the trial judge will take place on Tuesday
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A judge has denied Reverend Dr. Christopher Bullock鈥檚 motion for a temporary restraining order of Governor Carney鈥檚 restrictions on the size of groups allowed in churches and houses of worship during the coronavirus pandemic saying they violate the Constitution.聽 Attorney Thomas Neuberger has filed an emergency appeal to the Third Circuit and is asking for a decision today.聽
Governor Carney briefly commented on the lawsuit Friday during his coronavirus update saying that the guidance in the beginning was to protect public health and not put people at risk as many congregants are of vulnerable populations. Churches have always been considered essential, however the restriction to groups of 10 people or less led many to close their doors for the duration with many churches opting for online services or other offerings.
