Maine Church Files Preemptive Lawsuit Over COVID-19 Restrictions

Over the last few weeks, we have seen a steep increase in the number of COVID-19 cases across the country, and here in Maine.  We are told that this increase is due to the "Delta" variant, which is reportedly much more transmissible than the previous versions of the virus.

Due to this recent jump in cases, we are starting to see loosened restrictions rolled back.  The National CDC recently announced that people (even those who are fully vaccinated) should begin wearing masks indoors in places where there is significant community spread.

Here in Maine, Governor Mills has requested that people in certain counties wear masks inside.  Right now, it is just a suggestion.

However, there is a concern that we could soon see a return to the strict restrictions that we saw for the majority of 2020.  Some organizations are not taking the possibility of these restrictions returning lying down.

According to News Center Maine, a church in Central Maine is already asking the United States Supreme Court to step in.

Orrington's Calvary Chapel is asking the court to prevent Governor Janet Mills from re-instating any pandemic restrictions due to the spread of the new variants.

The church's administration has referred to the 14 months of restrictions as a "reign of terror" and the church's lawyer said:

No pastor, church, or parishioner in America should have to choose between worship and criminal sanction flowing from demonstrably discriminatory restrictions.

In May of last year, the church a temporary restraining order against some of the Mills' administration restrictions.  It was denied.

This story will continue to be updated...