Tuesday, April 14, 2020, 3:25 pm News Flash Archive

This afternoon, the Department of Justice intervened in the federal lawsuit filed by a Greenville church against the city of Greenville and its Mayor Errick Simmons, after the city targeted churches for closure and busted up a drive-in worship service last Wednesday evening.

The DoJ filing in the federal district court's northern division may be seen here:
DoJ Lawsuit Filing

The DoJ filing highlights the city's discriminatory regulation and actions against houses of worship as a violation of religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution. Additionally, the city's re-classification of churches as "non-essential," in conflict with the Governor's Emergency Executive Orders, suggests a discriminatory purpose behind the Greenville Mayor's actions.

The Taxpayers Channel has previously reported that the city adopted an emergency order, applying only against churches, that barred drive-in meetings. Other business drive-in services were not prohibited by the order, but only churches were singled out for the restriction. Our coverage may be seen here:
Church Sues City of Greenville, Mayor after Police Bust up Church Service

The lawsuit seeks an injunction against further city actions, declaratory judgment, and damages.

John Pittman Hey
The Taxpayers Channel

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