California's Newsom ordered to pay $1.35 million to LA-area church over COVID-19 restrictions

Newsom is required to pay the church $1,350,000 to reimburse the costs of the suit.

Published: May 19, 2021 11:10am

Updated: May 26, 2021 7:33am

A California District judge issued a statewide injunction against the COVID-19 restrictions against churches and places of worship after a California church and Gov. Gavin Newsom reached a settlement on the matter.

The injunction was issued Monday, following a settlement between Harvest Rock Church and the Democratic governor who last summer imposes restrictions on indoor activity in response to the virus pandemic, according to Pasadena Now.

"This is a momentous day for churches in America. After nearly a year-long battle defending our religious freedoms, our lawsuit has reached a permanent settlement in our favor," Pastor Ché Ahn said, according to Newsmax.

In the settlement, Newsom agreed to pay $1.35 million to reimburse the church's attorney fees and costs.

The settlement and injunction come a month after the governor lifted restrictions against church and religious gatherings, following a Supreme Court ruling that the state could not enforce the restrictions.