(RICHMOND, Va.) -- A man from Southwest Virginia has sued Governor Northam claiming that an executive order banning the number of people from gathering is infringing on his religious freedom.
Larry Hughes from Russell County says that the governor's executive order that says groups of 10 or more can't meet has a 'chilling effect' on his religious freedom.
Hughes is seeking an injunction that would permit churches and other faith-based organizations to hold limitless group assemblies.
Attorney General Mark Herring says in a brief that the executive order was necessary because large groups provide fertile ground for the spread of coronavirus. Herring adds that Northam is a person of faith and he understands that the order would be hard on religious communities and he has been working with state religious leaders to find creative ways to reach worshipers.
A hearing on the case is scheduled for Thursday that's scheduled to take place via telephone.