Church case in high court

The numbers of churches and mosques involved in the court case being brought against the government (HM March 7) has grown. 

Another group of Ministers and churches filed a very similar case back in March and theirs will now be heard with the one being brought by Ōrewa Community Church and others. Between the two cases there are more than 175 churches, Ministers and mosques suing over the same issue of Covid-19 gathering restrictions.

The claim is about the right to practise religion, including gathering in person to worship and being open to all.

Local barrister Madeleine Flannagan, of Hibiscus Coast Legal Chambers is one of two barristers representing the applicants.

She say there has never been a case like this in New Zealand.

“The significance of this case is just how many mainstream people of faith are involved, all saying they object to not being treated equally with other important rights-protected activities and entities,” Flannagan says. “An unvaccinated person could get on a bus and a plane, but that same person could not attend church with the rest of the congregation for 90 minutes on a Sunday. Going on holiday is not a protected legal right, the right to worship in public with others is.” 

The hearing in the Wellington High Court starts this week – it is set down for June 16, 17 and 20.