Christian arrested for maskless outdoor worship service celebrates ‘victory’ as city pays up.
Justice Served: Idaho City Settles Lawsuit with Masking Protesters
In a significant victory for civil liberties, Moscow, Idaho has agreed to settle a lawsuit with three residents who were arrested for violating the city’s masking and social distancing orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. The liberal city, known for being home to the University of Idaho, will pay Gabriel Rench and Sean and Rachel Bohnet a combined $300,000 for the incident, as reported by The Spokesman-Review on July 15.
The incident gained widespread attention when a video of Gabriel Rench, a deacon at Christ Church in Moscow, being arrested during an outdoor “Psalm sing” protest in front of City Hall went viral. The city had designated circles 6 feet apart in the City Hall parking lot for protesters to stand in, but Rench and his fellow church members refused to comply.
“Plaintiffs should never have been arrested in the first place, and the constitutionality of what the City thought [its] code said is irrelevant.” – U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr.
In January 2021, a county judge dismissed the misdemeanor charges against Rench and the Bohnets, stating that their actions were protected under the First Amendment. The trio then filed a civil lawsuit against the city, arguing that their constitutional rights had been violated.
In February, U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. rejected the city’s motion to dismiss the civil suit, emphasizing that the city’s “Emergency Powers Ordinance” had exemptions for activities protected under the U.S. and Idaho Constitutions. The judge stated, “Plaintiffs should never have been arrested in the first place, and the constitutionality of what the City thought [its] code said is irrelevant.”
Gabriel Rench spoke out about the settlement, expressing his gratitude for the victory and highlighting the importance of defending constitutional rights. He also drew attention to the situation in Canada, where pastors have been jailed for holding church services in violation of government policies. Rench emphasized the need for significant changes to prevent a similar erosion of liberties in the United States.
While the settlement represents a victory for Rench and the Bohnets, it serves as a reminder that safeguarding liberty requires constant vigilance. The case underscores the importance of upholding the First Amendment and protecting the rights of individuals to freely exercise their religion, speak their minds, and peacefully assemble.
Do you believe justice was done in this case?
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In a July 14 news release, the city of Moscow downplayed the settlement, suggesting that it was a strategic decision to avoid prolonged litigation. However, the resolution of this case sends a clear message that individuals’ constitutional rights must be respected, even during times of crisis.
Source: The Western Journal
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