Religious services ban lifted

OLYMPIA – Just in time for Christmas and following a 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals decision, Gov. Jay Inslee has rescinded his order limiting attendance at religious services and banning singing during services.

In Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley v. Sisolak, the federal court ruled Dec. 15 that limiting the capacity of a religious service violated the First Amendment, the right to freedom of religion.

Prior to that decision, Gov. Inslee had attempted to limit church services to 25% of indoor capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer. He also banned singing and required church to control access to restrooms.

Because of the decision, the cap has been removed as the appellate court, interpreting the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn v. Cuomo, to represent a “seismic shift in free exercise law.”

But while Inslee is withdrawing his order, he is still urging churches to voluntarily limit capacity to 200 people.

The governor also adjusted his ban on singing during religious services, noting congregations and soloists can sign as long as they wear face coverings.

The control of access to restrooms has also been lifted.