MN Law Firm: Walz's COVID-19 Order Is Unfair To Churches

MINNEAPOLIS — A Minnesota-based law firm filed a motion Monday to suspend enforcement of Gov. Tim Walz’s Stay Safe Minnesota order as it relates to religious services. The Upper Midwest Law Center says it is unfair for retail centers to be reopened at 50 percent capacity while church services continue to be restricted to 10 people or less.

"It is clearly unconstitutional for the governor to allow people to go to the Mall of America but not Living Word Christian Center," stated Doug Seaton, president of the Upper Midwest Law Center.

Seaton believe Walz's administration is treating religious organizations as "second class citizens."

The motion is being filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, with an expedited hearing expected to be held on the motion within 10 days, according to a news release from the firm.

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"The First Amendment requires Governor Walz allow church services to operate according to the same public health guidelines he applies to secular activities in similar situations," argues Howard Root, chair of the Upper Midwest Law Center.