A preacher who repeatedly violated orders to stop jam packed church services in East Baton Rouge during the coronavirus pandemic has lost a round in federal court.
U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson denied Rev. Tony Spell’s motion for a temporary restraining order.
He wanted the federal judge to ban Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards from interfering with his freedom of religion.
The judge, however, denied the restraining order after finding that Spell likely will lose his case.
"The Court finds that Plaintiffs fail to establish a likelihood of success on the merits as to any claims asserted against Defendants."
The ruling also notes that since the Stay at Home order has now expired, the previous limits no longer apply.
Gov. Edwards’ Executive Counsel Matthew Block issued a statement.
"Judge Jackson’s ruling supports what we have long said – that the Governor’s Stay at Home order was lawful, necessary and issued under the most dire of circumstances, with Louisiana facing widespread illness and loss of life from the dangerous spread of COVID-19," Block said.
He also noted Edwards in both a lawyer and a man of strong faith.
"Governor Edwards carefully issued his Stay at Home order to put in reasonable mitigation measures that allowed for worship while still protecting the public’s health. He undertook this order as a last resort to protect the lives of the people of Louisiana."
The judge did not rule on other aspects of the case, and the case is not over.