The ACLJ Fights Back Against California’s Ban on Church Singing

Jay Sekulow ACLJ fight against California's church singing man talk about that important thing Jay Sekulow 1511 questions right now: one 806 843-110-1800 68412, your host will while we are talking to live on the air right now we have it of attorneys working with the attorneys in California as well face LJ who are very to file a lawsuit against the state of California for what is a band on singing in places of worship and all live ACLJ.org. This is just great to see the grassroots support over 41,000 of you in less than 24 hours.

We did not pose this petition till about every 24 hours ago while we were live on the air yesterday were just hearing about this over 41,000 of you have signed the petition ACLJ.org it says don't bed singing in church. We got a new blog up@aclj.org as well the blog except that the really important.

It's a great blog assurances ACLJ defending religious liberty against new California singing bad that specifically aims to silence churches worship we quote Scripture Psalm 100 to make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness come into his presence with singing that we have a caution the actions in this verse are no longer permissible in the state of California.

That's because California has basically outlawed singing and chanting no matter the size of your worst offender.

No matter how few people are there. In fact, the way their law reads you could have a 5000 seat worship center you could have only 100 people there under the law, you could really space them out. You probably see them. You could have two people on the podium area singing 2530 Peter Park wearing a mask and that's a violation of California's law that's illegal under California law, so we look we have been supportive of attempts to protect our citizens when it gets to absurd. We were told you we would file suit. This one has managed to get to absurd. So along with our friends at advocates for faith and freedom.

Bob Tyler would work without for over two decades.

We are going to be filing a federal lawsuit.Robin tomorrow morning seeking a Temporary Restraining Order followed by a preliminary injunction to get this prohibition stop now in saying that understand this, you're in California so that I don't not expecting hospitable environment for litigation which means he goes the Ninth Circuit, which I will reiterate is not a hospitable environment for this kind of litigation to go to the Supreme Court in the one case they had. They ruled 5 to 4 against the church.

Now this is different. This is a different situation than in a different time, so we'll see how the case progresses. I'm still optimistic we can get a TRO along the way here because this is such an outrageous act on behalf of the government here it's it's it's it's it's you must not mean drunk and rated it very clear this issue. We went back and we looked it into the initial guidelines. It came out were June 12 is only three weeks ago. Things keep changing rapidly with over 19 and how to respond to the pandemic. We understand that but on June 12 they said we strongly consider discontinuing singing group recitation other practices and performances where there is increased likelihood for transmission from contaminated exhaled droplet so to modify practice limit limit the number of people reciting or singing, not mandating that there be no singing, just limit the number of people. These were suggestions considerations to file lawsuits gets considerations taken without consideration about whatever they want. Basically because they can enforce them. It's just kind of recommended guidance okay may not like it but doesn't matter because it has no teeth here in the new regulations notice Terry's regulations. They use the word must that California can do one or two things they could quickly say, wait, we use the wrong word. There we didn't write we were not intending to use a word that looked like it was a legal requirement. I doubt that we California but they still could do that or there to try to fight it say that this is a new mandate this. It came out in July is a mandate noble recommendations anymore. The place of worship must therefore discontinue singing and chanting activities. Regardless, the size of your place of worship, leaving no decision up to the recommendation must mandate side. The petition ACLJ.org. It's a work ACLJ. Matching challenge donate online ACLJ.org American Center for Law and justice were engaged in critical issues at home and abroad. Whether it's defending religious freedom.

Protecting those for their faith. Uncovering corruption in the Washington bureaucracy fighting to protect life in the courts and in Congress ACLJ would not be able to do any of this without your support for that.

We are grateful. Now there's an opportunity for you to help me way limited time you can participate in the ACLJ's matching challenge every dollar you donate $10 gift dollar gift becomes 100. This is a critical time for the ACLJ the work we simply would not occur without your generous take part in our matching challenge make a difference in protecting the constitutional and religious freedoms gift today online ACLJ only one.

A society can agree that the most vulnerable invoice. Is there any hope for that culture to survive. And that's exactly what you are saying when you stay in the American Center for Law and Justice, defendant the right to life, we've created a free powerful publication offering a panoramic view of the ACLJ's battle for the unborn cold dishes like it will show you how you personally.

Publication includes a look at all major ACLJ pro-life cases were fighting for the rights of pro-life activist ramifications 40 years later Planned Parenthood's role in the what Obama care means to the pro-life in many ways your membership is empowering the right question free copy mission life today online ACLJ/Jay Sekulow. Second, we are take your phone calls 164 31 Tivoli kerchief. Much of their scope.

What were folks to at home right now working from home offices that have not reopened yet schedules are not coming together the way they usually would cut a post Fourth of July when you're start preparing for the fall and did so because of that, we encourage you share this broadcast your friends and family be surprise how we were people are available right now to watch broadcast like ours are interested to find out what exactly is going on outside of what just the news is kind of harping on day in and day out with coving 19 restrictions and numbers that may or may not impact you, depending on where you live in the country.

This is the kind of news that does because if you allow California to ban mandate to require that there be no singing and chanting as if you use those two terms so singing takes out most Christian Protestant denominations from their kind of worship and then chanting takes out all the liturgical religious groups who do chanting non-Jewish graduate ox, Orthodox Christianity, Catholic, Protestant, Islamic as well so you got a get basically and also that includes his ability to bear chert is the same benefits religious yes it which is singing. By the way, on the streets in protest. I went out, not because it's constitutionally protected. But what really what this does is it bans the practice of religion at all because there are some religious groups that this is the majority of the service, and many Eastern religions where this would be the. The entire service. I think about Hindu service where chanting is talking chanting is kind of how it goes throughout the service.

So if you're if you're kind of someone who is interested in religion and world religions you know about that you realize you put those two terms together.

No singing, no chanting you're talking about total targeting of religious belief and expression and worship. Specifically, Rogers recommending that Haider should the euro in June made you so less than a month ago California was maybe should spread out maybe should do it. If you can't but it was just a recommendation right now it is using words like must, places of worship this as very legal must therefore discontinue that a very legal three words right there, since it's setting forth a condition different people wrote that is you can't do this now. I find it.

Here's the analysis you have protest on the streets in cities throughout the United States. Protests that are not violent are court protected speech under the First Amendment. Defendant them would continue to defend them.

There are now social distancing apartments being placed on outside areas. For instance, and I know in Tennessee and Florence. Mother states are starting to do that. One of those visits must wear a mask when you're outside so you take a mask to wear when you're outside now people can still sing and they can still chant are the police cannot pass a resolution saying no singing, no chanting, because that's can it get droplets in the air wire outside the closer quarters and the reason they would lose this is that singing and chanting are protected activities under the First Amendment.

So that's number one on the list number two. Isn't it ironic that there in these protests that are going on. You had medical experts say will that's not likely to spread from that and then it did spread about. There's been an increase. Whether it's relatable to that we don't know. I defend the right for the protesters protest, including holding signs, chanting, singing what I don't like.

Of course I was we were condemning the violence, but for the most part these of 90% of it is been very much. According to traditional free-speech activity sites. I support free-speech activities. These groups have the right to engage the streets and sidewalks, and free speech activities I would defend that a defendant after 40 years. I will also defend the churches or synagogues ability to chant under site conditions inside the room worship Center and that's really what were talking about. Even if the social distancing image that wearing a mask, you can't do it know this is, again, it's getting to a point here where there is no this is not a you had to wear a mask if you reducing this is not a this is a singing band on top of there's been mask mandates and so now there's fines for that evening. Are they going to enforce the mandates of mass on the protests outside in those locales and have that requirement that that's been the big question so like a bio including the proto-last few weeks so please be to shut down but in Miami I know it was in Miami-Dade County. There is a $50 fine that it went up from there. Another place was $300 fines and went from there was anyone actually getting the citations that's the question now in one county in Tennessee which is suburban County. It's a it's a class a misdemeanor. Now right now there's a lot of exceptions to it. So many exceptions I'm not sure how law enforcement could enforce it because it's like, well, but if you could social if you were to place weekly social distance of your pumping gas don't really need the where masses 98° outside ready to wear a mask if you go inside the store and you can't social distance. Now let a gas station you can social distance, you don't have to be right exactly as much of these are very bizarrely written rules. This window is pretty clear what it says place of worship must therefore discontinue a sale everywhere by the laser exemption. Now there's no exemption lots of exemptions in these laws, except when it comes to the religious institutions not paid in Washington right now. You still a protests on the street is there right what is this the standard right now. If you're outside wearing a mask rule on that.

Is there one there's not day you can you can be outside can be chanting you can see me singing. There is no ordinance against and and like I think what's good for the game and talk about is like a deer outside if you're walking down the street is walking on the street now in some locales you have to wear a mask the city, not in Washington. Okay, now it there is no requirement okay and I am thinking that that underscores the point you been making jaded if you can have a restriction on one First Amendment activity, then that has to apply equally to others and were not seeing that JI just I just also would underscore what Jordan talked about about the June 12 order because I think that very clearly shows that this was not an accident that the July first-order that restricts the singing that that prohibits the singing it's very clear. But J, it's also intentional because initially there were accommodations. They said you can move the activity outside or you can consider other unit was a consideration was not a mandate this change to July 1 two outright prohibited just for places of worship.

Jackie, we gotta be very clear. It was not an accident. They considered whether or not to make accommodations and they chose not to know that they could have granted exemptions like a pure meeting the social distancing requirements that would be fine.

We have to increase the social distancing required of you near the choir or near the canter of the chamfer that would people understand that one of our friends on Facebook, said, why can't this is Casey. Why can't you sing with a mask on. You can mean people are just part of it and but there are no exemptions under this California none. Now they want to shut down churches and so that's really what if you have no singing or chanting, or shutting down churches and other religious other religious practices in faith because some I mean they cannot do their service. There's like no way to do the service without chanting the no way to do the service without singing and so II believe, again, regardless of where you are. These mass mandates regardless of where you are on on this requirements and how weird the government's been putting for these laws at the local and state level how hard they are to follow or understate or are they recommendations are the guidelines and recommendations of the mandates this one is a mandate. No doubt that's outreach says you must therefore when use words like must therefore discontinue that is a mandate that psychic demand letter from the government to you to your church or religious institutions, a lot, therefore, discontinue.

I am from our audience. That's listening on Radeon wearing a mask right now that you hear me pretty well. I think those on TV and on Facebook or website or social media problems on where to master. You can hear me I can't sing. So you're lucky there but you can certainly sing with a mask on.

It may not be the perfect way to do it but were not living in perfect times the reality is, and this is the problem. This is using. Remember I said that these governments need to use a surgeon's scalpel in dealing with regulations on speech very precise, very clear.

Don't use the butcher knife. Don't lose them there in the spring court jurisprudence.

I said it's visited the scalpel of a skilled surgeon versus the blonde sibling blow up a butchers knife and when you're dealing with free-speech activities and that includes the church that includes protesters outside protected speech, time, place and manner is all you can be reasonably content neutral. These aren't I would love to get 50,000 by the end of the show today on a on ACLJ in order petition don't band singing in church. You can sign that ACLJanet over at over 44,006 added 2000 more since been on the broadcast. Today we come back will start taking more your phone calls at 100 684 31 to explain this more because II think that again that if you miss the broadcast issues people to get back in the flow post July 4 at I don't who were talking to a lot.

It really does depend on what state what county or what city are about where you are backyard are you know for are you back at work for you back in kind of your schedule and it's it is Midsummer.

Anyway see your kids would be on the same kind of schedule, but a lot of camps cancel a lot of the normal activities that are going that aren't happening and I'm just getting the school schedule for the fall for our kids and it is a totally different schedule than they've ever done before. The schools, you know, nearly hundred year history of the Bentley diskette NaCl is all says none of this is confirmed that this is where we hope to start is where we hope to get to, but no promises on any kind of events. No promises on any outside activities on the normal part of the school year that you would be used to have the planning is very difficult right and then when you put on top of that week after week of new mandates and new rules and requirements and recommendations that's tough enough on businesses. But then when you do a mandate like this on churches which were already having a tough time dealing with the limitations of people he committed now saying you have to discontinue stop singing and chanting.

No exceptions. Stop singing enchanting disagree with this errata join us were about to file the lawsuit. Folks that they make their flawed justice. Here we go here's your chance to stand up against the tyranny of the states that are trying to use this pandemic to change our nation to see if the government shutdown religious worship get away with say no at the ACL change.

You stand with us support the work of the American surfline just only one. A society can agree that the most vulnerable and is there any hope for that culture to survive.

And that's exactly what you are saying when you stand with the American Center for Law and Justice, defendant the right to life, we've created a free powerful publication offering a panoramic view of the ACLJ's battle for the unborn Gold edition like it will show you how you are personally publication includes a look at all major ACLJ were fighting for the rights of pro-life activists ramifications of 40 years later, planned parenthood's role in the Obama care means to discover the many ways your membership is empowering the right question for mission life today online ACLJ/the American Center for Law and Justice were engaged in critical issues at home and abroad. Whether it's defending religious freedom. Protecting those faith uncovering corruption in the Washington bureaucracy fighting to protect life in the courts and in Congress. ACLJ would not be able to do any of this without your support for that. We are grateful. Now there's an opportunity for you to help me way limited time you can participate in the ACLJ's matching challenge every dollar you donate $10 gift $50 gift becomes 100. This is a critical time for the ACLJ. The work we do. Simply would not occur without your generous take part in our matching challenge make a difference in protecting the constitutional and religious freedoms you forgive today online ACLJ Jay Sekulow lives in California is a tip to band singing at church as we see in our blog quote Psalm 100 to make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness come into his presence with singing. It's wide, most churches. The first thing you will hear as you walk into the church ought to title for the services technically begun is requires Artie singing the music is Artie play. Why is that because that verse in Psalm 102 that already to come into the presence you singing it's part of the religious propped us worship service and we say in the blog.

Caution the actions in this verse are no longer permissible in the state of California. The most populated state in the United States of America legal right to the foes Robert and Marilyn online, when Robert welcome to Jay Sekulow live your on their Robert yeah I Jordan I didn't want to ask you what you want to know what prompted the state of California could issue this particular mandate to come directly from the governor on A new sump and if this were of racial discrimination parking situation. Do you believe the media would become covering the falafel thoroughly to get coverage because I think even the media was shocked that they were good target churches love the way they did so look, the governor actually is in charge of it now came to their health and human services, the public health officials did this and it should the typical governmental one-size-fits-all. No matter what size your worship center is you can have no more than 100 people 25% or 100 people, whichever is less.

So as I said, you have a 5000 square-foot a 5000 seat worship center and you can only have 100 people. Okay with those hundred people. You can't have anybody saying, not the cancer, not the chanter, not the choir not required to people so they specifically hear targeted a form of worship that is central to the practice of worship experience and that's where the that is not reasonable. It's not neutral time, place and manner is not meeting a compelling governmental interest is one-size-fits-all and it's certainly not the least restrictive means. Those are the legal task on whether these kind of restrictions are constitutional.

Joining us by phone is our director of policy of Prof. Harry Hutchison Prof. Hutchinson from a policy perspective. Obviously this is unconstitutional, but it really does is Robert said really does look like it's targeting the churches likely correct and in no premeditated and willful act on churches state of California level. Quite simply, a sledgehammer on churches and church attendees, and it is clear beyond question that it fails to me any recognized constitutional task approach will only discriminate against church attendees number of individuals who are outside protesting who are outside chanting these types of attacks on churches are indeed intolerable until we have now reached the point where in no longer can church attendees make a joyful noise unto the Lord over all the earth. No longer can they come into his presence with singing. This is so because such conduct is no longer permissible in the state of California even though it is indeed both under the United States Constitution.

I think this points in this area. Use the example of the copier leasing in the broadcast. But I defended three protests. Civil disobedience for 40 years, Imad had a long history of defending free speech activities on sidewalks, public places and reasonable time plays many restrictions in some jurisdictions now are including that when you're outside you were mass of the protesters would have to wear a mask that doesn't stop their ability to sing your chance only if you're in the church is a prevented that the singing or chanting, but there seems to be a real double standard here Harry LII think your analysis is spot on reasonable time, place and manner restrictions are indeed constitutional. In addition, however, the Constitution does require equal application under the law. In addition, the Constitution required a neutral application under the law, and these restrictions are both content and arguably viewpoint is impermissible. Why because they are not being neutrally applied against every citizen in the state of California that is a predicate for the California State approach to churches to withstand constitutional scrutiny, but I think there's more to it than that. I think the left has always played churches in the target because they want to diminish the light the constitutional right, particularly of Christians because they see many Christians hosing their particular agenda and so they want to bring the leaks and the power of churches in California and without filing a lawsuit. Churches will be required to shrink in terms of their influence in California and this is an approach which had been supported by left it over the last 20 to 30 years and with respect to certain leftist groups is an explicit part of their platform. Their approach to plans for the nation beyond any recognition provided by the founders of the country and also we got there some summer plans. This also Jewish synagogues because chanting the Cantor chanter is a integral part of the worship experience and that kinda tells you that this is unintended is an attack on religion is no another way to say that's exactly what this is Michael's car California online series come from the state. Michael welcome Jay Sekulow live your on the air. I Michael will be here with you and I'm a supporter of a feel very I have a comment about the whole situation the question is this isn't this equal to the IRS targeting conservative, whereas the governor is targeting religious and conservative class. So let me answer that question so it is the same principle different ramifications. There you had entire federal agency put its sights on conservative organizations, pro-life groups mean you had an agency here, you got an agency of government impacting one aspect of the church which is an integral aspect which is the worship experience with the IRS.

They were denying the ability for those organizations to even function as as corporations or as enterprises or as worship centers or whatever the chart whatever religious organization was involved or so.

It's in that sense it's markedly different exam last before we end the same as broadcast anything breaking in Washington. Ours is a pretty quiet right now in legislation is limited both client right is quite J but I would suggest to you that this definition is probably following the direction of Washington DC. I remember Rick Jim Clyburn said I know it's an opportunity transform guiding more to our liking day. I think this is an example of what that is what this is. To me it's just a meeting to religious people for this whole time. Being treated differently is treated like something you don't really need something. Well, we could stop to see their consent that enough is enough. If you'll stand up now. This pandemic continuing state of doubt, the right to keep being taken away from stand up in a sealed petition may still take donate today at the American Center for on critical issues at home and abroad for limited time you can participate in the ACLJ challenge for every dollar you donate, it will be now $10 gift becomes $20, $50 gift becomes 100 make a difference in protecting the constitutional and religious freedoms most to you and your family.

Give a gift today online LJ live from Washington DC Jay Sekulow and secular stored cycles per second.

That will just a few weeks ago California put out guidance guide you to file lawsuits against recommendations you might not like me to file lawsuits against is that there will be anything, they're just there just because they are states that the state is suggesting to do, but not required to do no enforcement so just back in June 12 it said strongly consider discontinuing singing group recitation and other practices and performances where there is increased likelihood for transmission. I mean I go to church where if you took out group recitation that would be like the entire service almost except for a very short get a short servant, that there is almost always recitation going on. If not singing going on, but they said modified practices limit the number of people reciting your signature physical distancing. They received all that before. Just three weeks later California's looks the same taxes. The same comes from the same department. California was the California Department of Public health. Now it's place of worship must therefore discontinue singing and chanting activities.

No exceptions.

Even outdoor attendance is talk topping limited and it doesn't give exceptions. They are about singing and chanting activities. We talk about singing, chanting activities, and you make a mandate out of it you are inviting a legal challenge mandates invite legal challenge that is exactly what were doing at the American Center for Law Justice a few support standing up against California here. This attempt to mandate the churches stop singing that other religious groups up chanting that basically banned the practice of religion in California toward where the schematics are flawed. Just weave a matching challenge right now. Whatever you donate online is doubled. We have daughters ready to match your donation can do that ACLJ.org the entire month of July. That's an ACLJ.org and on top of that we got a petition this petition is getting close to 50,000 people in 24 hours. See don't man singing in church. A very simple petition. Now it's over 47,000 people have signed on, let's get to 50,000 by the end of the broadcast today which results you want your Facebook a periscope share that petition with your friends and family share this broadcast with your friends and family go to ACLJ.org and sign the petition. Now it we get a lot of interesting comments are coming on Facebook and I want to read a couple those to Jackie Rice.

Thank you ACLJ for the quick response. Look, we were we been very particular about what we are to challenge or not challenge us when we thought we had a challenge.

Fortunately, our good friend Bob Tyler who heads up advocates for faith and freedom in California revamping work with for two decades is with us on these cases and were to be doing these together and he does great work and have him on the broadcast this week when we once we file the lawsuit may be tomorrow maybe filing tomorrow morning so Carly's West Coast time will have Bob want to discuss it so that's why were here, I mean that you that we need to jump in all these cases.

When I got one like this. We said okay time to actually we we given legal advice to literally dozens and dozens of churches over the last five much you can understand that we became the California government assistance. Surely the California government wants to cut control churches but not protests appear. Apparently that's the case, and I support the right of the protesters to protest, including by the way, singing and chanting.

Not bad is a mask requirement that they should wear the mask mask requirement inside the church of that would help the situation where the mask but the right to do it but yes this is targeting surely ought to Tameka rights.

I'm afraid this is just the beginning for California.

That's why we go to court because we don't want to give this a chance to become a President when we got this. Now let's next things easy. You know what, which is not comparable to churches. Many were okay with going to the grocery store, the department store. They kept liquor stores open as essential businesses.

During this, but the church, synagogue, Sam, I don't think that such a great idea that the government is essential, but the small mom-and-pop's and so the same things as most of the economy and and so II think that you don't view what you always look for is the library to take action when your doctor to see if quick enough reversal a lot of states quickly reversed a lot of these have to go to court.

Others lost so badly in court very early during this pandemic. They can't restrict anything at all and and so we look for what is the right way to engage.

This is the right way to support the work.

The mixer for Law and Justice with the matching challenge right now double the impact your donation of an order ready to match your donation. You gotta take that initial action donate online ACLJ.org American Center for Law and injustice were engaged in critical issues at home and abroad.

Whether it's defending religious freedom. Protecting those for their faith. Uncovering corruption in the Washington bureaucracy fighting to protect life in the courts and in Congress. ACLJ would not be able to do any of this without your support for that.

We are grateful. Now there's an opportunity for you to help me way limited time you can participate in the ACLJ matching challenge every dollar you donate $10 gift gift becomes 100. This is a critical time for the ACLJ.

The work we simply would not occur without your generous heart wrenching challenge make a difference in protecting the constitutional and religious freedoms gift today online LJ only when a society can agree that the most vulnerable invoice. Is there any hope for that culture to survive. And that's exactly what you are saying when you stand with the American Center for Law and Justice, defendant the right to life, we've created a free powerful publication offering a panoramic view of the ACLJ's battle for the unborn is called mission will show you how you are personally publication includes a look at all major ACLJ were fighting for the rights of pro-life activists ramifications.

40 years later Planned Parenthood's role in the Obama care means to discover the many ways your membership is empowering the right question mission life today online ACLJ/partakes of your phone calls now by West myth over the mixer for justice was also will again. It priest because he is Episcopal priest. I think that this unique because Ann and I attend Episcopal Church itself and a member of his church, and so much of this service is not just singing and chanting, but it is a together and with this was mission to the first guideline. This is a guideline, but it is recitation group recitation, which is just as loud and is just as Sunday banning the purpose of this new one they have not banned group recitation. Dave said it specific to singing and chanting so I'm not down the first with a they recommended no group recitation are limited group recitation so will see, but I would take Rick's call first to Montana online three Rick Walker Jay Sekulow live particular called breakout for you by questioning her is what keeps them from labeling a minister or a pastor bringing the sermon as chanting a listen through this talk is just talking about that because some and some churches, liturgical churches, the even the delivery of the homily is done in such a way with the most child go right to West myth on this I think is perfect that I don't know that it's necessarily singing or chanting, but what's the exit it's 1/2 a step away from that and went this idea that you're separating out the recitation in the worship and the chanting from the worship service itself is very dangerous.

No real questions went on number of mayors and governors have been trying to restrict you know how many people can go to church and they can get their alarm bells for me.

But this California case goes way beyond that is not only how many people can gather your building.

It's the free exercise of religion that is at stake. What you can actually do you know when you're in the building pandemic is brought about the imposition of extraordinary measures and I get that. And I think religious people get that religious leaders that we have to be attended to civil liberties to religious freedom and that any restrictions are generally applicable to all businesses and activities, and they don't exhibit discrimination, and that's not what is happening here getting over a memo just researching the radio today William bar on the memo to US attorneys on April 27 made the statement, the Constitution is not suspended during economic crisis that a blinding flash of the obvious that what's happening is protest and some shopping venues like liquor stores, secular activities, they cannot be given a pass while religious groups are not giving a pass restrictions in order have to be neutral when applied to secular versus religious activities you're talking about the church activities. I will think about this morning. I'm a member of the diocese of Atlanta individual pastors and bishops and rabbis and other religious leaders they are making various restrictions depending on their congregation locally. Locally, they have the authority to do this, but the government has absolutely no authority to dictate religious practices and conduct interreligious building. I can't imagine Jay more plain and egregious transgression against the First Amendment and the religious freedom that is foundational to our constitutional Republic and it simply cannot stamp as you said earlier, it is actually targeting churches in the integrity as well as the authority of our Constitution is on the line here and it really is thinking right now. I know things are very important for people to understand the summer as always, Lauren Washington generally received July's usually sporty active. August is recess, but I think we know were dealing with a very serious situation with this pandemic. What is washing tell people what Washington DC is like right now in Washington DC is been the epicenter of both of these things can in the decoded pandemic has been big here obviously there been protest there's been demonstrations.

It's been a hot and heavy in that sense dear Jay about the house and the Senate are back in their district for two weeks. And anyways that's where a lot of the plans that are developed in Washington DC play out. I mean I mentioned earlier, Jim Clyburn talk about this be an opportunity to transform and I think about the statement that the DC advisory board put out as well. They called this a once in a generation opportunity to thoughtfully build toward and more equitable, resilient and vibrant city Jay. That's what pushes governors like Gov. Newsom to do what he has done and I would just go back maybe real quickly. About six weeks ago we we broke the news the President trying to declare places of worship essential because as the reopening started governors like Gov. Newsom did not want to treat places of worship is essential that federal guidance Jay was key, but in order for them to follow it. It's actually got a trickle down to these regulations are talking about today. So while the members might not be here. Jay, their impact is still being felt on his ear since stand that this pandemic is a change that have some permit ramifications.

I'd I think it does out the beneficial program.

I want to get your sense given in the South Island rules.

I don't think there's any question but that there is there's already been a a change.

As far as proxy voting in the United States house.

I think that that will continue for the rest of the calendar year. I don't think you will see a majority of the House of Representatives present Washington DC out probably until there is a vaccine Jay. But yeah, I think there's going to be a new normal and look we said this to. I mean we we want people to be responsible about many of those decisions properly should be made by the congregants and of course they have to addict the government can't apply them in in a discriminatory question. You know, and on May 12 of this year Jordan, I write here in the studio pointing to the area where we got a shot of the open area, but we had a podium up there and argue the case of the Supreme Court of United States right behind that year we had about an immense American flags behind us. We argue the case of record United States and Jordan I sent in this room, and when the court came in session. We stood up what you're supposed to do and then I went made the argument was helping with documents, there's another case that would inhabit the Supreme Court while likely for the President involving that that whole issue of the emoluments clause problem I guess would be filed in the next 30 or 45 days. Probably argued in November or December.

I don't think I can be back does it appear like it and I and I think really doing it by phoning it in just nine minutes. At least they did it.

I think that you know Florida just now so that schools must go back which by the way can I say something on that and I don't know.

I think people something to so they can plan for my good life because it was as I said we get back at a July 4 I got the email say to for my daughter's school with with lots of caveats but that that you were to try to go back and that is so people could try to make land at the light and look for the economy say it's important that if they yes and mental health.

But it's all everything that I think Wes the thing is, you're in the military you always have to have a plan B there has to be a contingency politically understandable and reasonable, but I think the left is using the pandemic to gain more government control and think about the American people and thankfully being sealed. Helping people to do that they need to stand up and take note of this that basically what some states and mayors are saying is that you can walk down the groceries Doral which you can't walk down the alley. The church that you can go outside and chant and scream and yell and saying in a protest but you can't sing in a church or synagogue. This is unprecedented and then again it simply cannot sit is really trim it can constitutionally go to the streets and sidewalks in protest and chant and sing walk down the street but you cannot do the same activity inside a church. Even if you limit the numbers. Even if you socially distance even if you wear a mask. You can't walk down that aisle chant or sing that that tells you where the constitutionality issue here is been raised and that's why the ACLJ's engagement all right when trying to call for the bright you my white scope. Let's take a back will take the calls are lassoed with a broadcast lesson on Facebook. This would be for you and this is this that there is three concerns.

One is, is this just the beginning.

In California, to want the church state separation say leave the church alone here, and number three.

When you think you very filing the suit by allowing for library probably followed by two months, a product of our church state separation. Those who agree with that idea which I was not the Constitution all but those who agree with it. It's a one-way street. It's only the church out of government, not the government and church that they did agree that the church to be highly regulated by the government.

They still what the church have anything to do with carpets that's that's why they they don't have any issue with that the left.

Those who espouse this idea of church state separation as if it is in our Constitution which it's not just the beginning California if you don't stop it.

California typically takes on extreme legal measures that look extreme to both the country and the 20 years later you have the same wall your state if it wasn't stopped. That's why the mixer floor just as we said wrist really do everything we can to stop this. If this is not right.

California cannot target churches that come after just religious groups and say well now were going to mandate you must stop singing, you must stop chanting to make sure Rick take out multireligious service. Another picking and choosing what parts of religious services are okay that is not allowed under our Constitution is not acceptable. It's something we cannot sense of these.

Can't let go. If you do give the government that much power over your church and how you worship stand with us. The mixer floor just signed the petition and ACLJ.org and Jodi today double the impact your donation of matching challenge. A great time to support our work as we prepare to go to court tomorrow ACLJ.org building today will be right only when a society can agree most vulnerable invoice is, is there any hope for that culture to survive.

And that's exactly what you are saying the American Center for Law and Justice, defendant the right to life, we've created a free powerful publication offering a panoramic view of the ACLJ's battle for the unborn life will show you how you are personally publication includes all major ACLJ fighting for the rights of pro-life activist ramifications 40 years later, when Obama care means many ways your membership is empowering the right question for mission life today online/the American Center for Law and Justice were engaged in critical issues at home and abroad.

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We are grateful.

Now there's an opportunity for you to help me way limited time you can participate in the ACLJ's matching challenge every dollar you donate $10 gift gift becomes 100. This is a critical time for the ACLJ. The work we simply would not occur without your generous matching challenge make protecting the constitutional and religious freedoms. Today online okay right Colorado online for Yolanda. Welcome Jay Sekulow live were on their homework. I want to make an apple calling nine my family right now. Yes there fighting and fighting for democracy.

Anything you want me to get back going about all of the control right when I become a unit feel that the risk that the flag people united what they teach it when we become a good thing very personal because my family dying to be able to get it back. It took 20 years later by mail, the governor take a right and if we don't open. I will come in anything you people what they need to do it opened. I am tied it.if they open or not or if we had let Matt not to control the joy and when you do you totally and it did not mean people need to open their eyes and vote on November because we have country and five brought and I'm very proud to be a good unit: in lets Angela send her a couple more books online for long time is nothing I can add to what you said. Other than your exactly correct and that's why look I get the mass situation I carry one I wear one okay. I understand that protest should be allowed.

That's free speech mass might be appropriate for those in some locales at the governor's say that content neutral time placement are fine, but this targeted prohibition is exactly how you do lose democracy yet. I mean we are the live free or die country right answer is that statement but is live free or die to tenant to take away freedom. Better to die. Better to have death Yolanda is in her story about Venezuela is that perfect example of what what you mean by statement like that when you begin to lose your freedoms and I would say rapidly under these pandemic situation to changing circuits is where you are reasonably afraid.

I it's it's reasonable to have fear right now, but you've got to remember what we what principles we stayed in her country live free or die is Duchess of the Seattle flag Duchess underwear on rally at need something in America means you take the risk of freedom because it is better to live free and die free than it is to live under tyranny and have no choices and not be able to make the decisions about if you wear a mask you can make those decisions.

But this idea or if you can attend the church know it's forcing you to attend is forcing you to have singing your church could decide what I could have singing right now because of some baby work is to keep in mind that still live free or die because it's their freedom, but I believe we forgot that that what that truly means. In America we got pretty weak pretty wishy-washy and it's a time to remember what live free or die actually meet with Gloria Los Angeles on line 1 Gloria Walker Jay Sekulow live hi Gloria, are all over there but I am very afraid with our characters very very great part of our church.

They can keep learning math for how long. I don't think they're ever going to make stop wearing nickel back on every verse.

I did not realize that Gavin Newsom was related to Nancy Pelosi said Lori educated me then everybody saying yes. So there something I did not know your particular, I think your churches are making decisions.

Some churches are still keeping their services online are not comfortable having him in person yet. I understand that completely and write. Some churches are saying if you come to church, wearing a mask. Some states are mandating a peer inside, where mass I understand those two I think those are reasonable. What is your church doing well cared for and are there so not now and then what pastor is way far away so afraid anybody respect that part of freedom is the ability for the church as an institution to decide. That's the way were going to do it. The pastor and the leadership of the church that you know what were going to have our services and inside now working to go inside when I can just do them online or outside but what were going to do is to stand another 20 feet back there's an amplification system were not to have the band come because we don't want that in the air.

I think that's perfectly fine.

Individual churches have the ability make that decision. By the way, we've had over 50,000 people or petitioner answered 50,447 signatures. The petition don't band singing in church that is in 24 hours post. We want to petitioner while we are on the air yesterday so you're hearing. This is 24 hours 50/50,000 you have Artie signed a petition ACLJake that I was in safe then you will you deal with petitions all the time. That is number in 24 hours and will be much more than that now we could take this petition also understand this to the Department of Justice okay and say that although this is directed towards California in the department of justice is there. Monitoring these issues of religious liberty. We have one here were very concerned about that. Well let me tell you two things and I think the Department of Justice has a role here because the commander-in-chief has said the places of worship are essential in governor Newsom in my view, is violating that with this order. The other thing that we will do J, as we will target the California delegation Republican and Democrat alike with this because look, I don't think this is an issue that the grassroots level.

I think the petition demonstrates the stay at the grassroots level. I think Republicans and Democrats are going to be offended by the overstepping the governor Newsom is done here. You won't find much offense on the left in Washington DC I will tell you that. But J if you go to their constituency.

If you go to the people that are in those pews and in those congregations. I can guarantee you there gonna be upset by the snow here in Washington will target the California delegation and Jay. I do think we need to look at the Department of Justice to see if this is a violation of the President's order. I think that's exactly right. Thanks so when you do this petition folds. It has real impact in the storage that is over 50,024 hours were impressive, yet I try take less yeah Robin final call that a Virginia line 6 Robin welcome to Jay Sekulow live I offered something hopefully helpful here. A lot of people are holding auction and failure and really our own credit history, you can't really hear years ago now you write everything that label and judgment. We are dangerously label society right now me partisan politics is one thing six partisan pots Republican, Democrat, but now it's gone past that. It's like you're starting to judge founding fathers based off the morals of 2020. What they were doing in 1776.

Not great, not not a good way to judge read your Bible that will be bad to they will like what was going on in the Bible they would like even leaders were considered good leaders of the Bible since the danger steps you take remaking of society by this judgment based insane, insane application of morality and changing morals so much.

It's good to it to evolve is good to get past certain societal evils but to judge everyone based off those is absurd is dangerous.

Is it live free or die anymore. The night since America just ask yourself that today plenty of time. Live free or die in a sealed loss of the American Center for on critical issues at home and abroad for limited time you can participate in the ACLJ challenge for every dollar you donate will be $10 gift becomes $20, $50 gift becomes 100 make a difference in protecting the constitutional and religious freedoms to you and your family. Give a gift today online okay