Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley v. Sisolak

To book an interview, click on the "Book an Interview" button on any page at ADFmedia.org.
Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Description: A provision of Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak’s COVID-19 executive order unconstitutionally treats religious congregations different from many secular gatherings.

Appeals court strikes down NV governor’s rule treating churches worse than casinos

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

The following quote may be attributed to Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel and Vice President of U.S. Litigation David Cortman regarding the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit’s decision striking down Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak’s coronavirus restrictions that treat churches more harshly than other venues, such as casinos:

“This is a significant win. There is no constitutional right to gamble, but there is one that protects attending worship services. The government has a duty to respect the First Amendment, so it can’t single out churches for harsher treatment than secular activities. Today, the 9th Circuit made clear that, at a minimum, Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley can’t be treated more harshly than Nevada’s casinos, bowling alleys, retail businesses, restaurants, and arcades. Such disparate treatment is both illogical and unconstitutional.”

ADF COVID-19 resource page

Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization that advocates for the right of people to freely live out their faith.

# # # | Ref. 76007

Additional Resources: Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley v. Sisolak

Scroll down to view additional resources pertaining to this case and its surrounding issue.
Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Previous news releases:

2020-12-07: ADF to 9th Circuit: Strike down NV governor’s rule treating churches worse than casinos
2020-11-05: ADF asks US Supreme Court to strike down NV governor’s rule treating churches worse than casinos
2020-09-30: NV governor’s new COVID-19 guidance still treats churches worse than casinos
2020-07-25: US Supreme Court declines to halt NV governor’s rules that treat churches worse than casinos
2020-07-08: US Supreme Court asked to halt NV governor’s rules that treat churches worse than casinos
2020-06-21: NV church appeals decision that allows governor to treat churches worse than casinos
2020-06-05: Under Nevada governor’s new rules, more people can play slots than gather for worship
2020-05-22: Nevada governor: People can gather in restaurants, stores, salons, but not in churches

Commentary:

Michael Farris & Charles Chaput: Unjust rules for religious believers (First Things, 2020-06-23)
Ryan Tucker: Casinos are open, but churches are closed? (CNS News, 2020-06-09)

Legal documents, related news, and other related resources available in the right panel when this page is viewed at ADFmedia.org.

LEGAL DOCS

9th Circuit opinion: Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley v. Sisolak

Friend-of-the-court briefs filed with U.S. Supreme Court in support of petitioner: Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley v. Sisolak

Petition for writ of certiorari before judgment: Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley v. Sisolak

Appellant’s reply brief: Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley v. Sisolak

U.S. Supreme Court decision on emergency application: Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley v. Sisolak

Reply brief in support of emergency application for an injunction pending appellate review: Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley v. Sisolak

Emergency application for injunction pending appellate review filed with U.S. Supreme Court: Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley v. Sisolak

9th Circuit order denying emergency motion: Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley v. Sisolak

More >>

RELATED RESOURCES

One-page summary: Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley v. Sisolak

Photos: Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley v. Sisolak

COVID-19 resource page

ABOUT David Cortman

David A. Cortman serves as senior counsel and vice president of U.S. litigation with Alliance Defending Freedom. Cortman heads all direct litigation efforts to protect religious freedom, the sanctity of human life, and marriage and the family. He has successfully litigated over 200 cases at every level, including recent victories at the U.S. Supreme Court and federal courts of appeal. A member of the bar in Georgia, Florida, Arizona, and the District of Columbia, he is also admitted to practice in over two dozen federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Cortman obtained his J.D. magna cum laude from Regent University School of Law.