Christ's Church of Mt. Spokane v. Inslee
Description: Christ’s Church of Mt. Spokane filed suit in federal court against Gov. Jay Inslee to challenge a provision of his executive order that threatens churches with criminal and civil penalties for meeting even though it designates cannabis retailers, breweries, and union operations as “essential workers.”
Facing ADF lawsuit, Washington governor updates COVID-19 order, loosens restrictions on churches
Attorney sound bite: Ryan Tucker
“Gov. Inslee has finally acknowledged that even during this difficult time, the First Amendment cannot be put away and forgotten. As the Supreme Court recently affirmed, the Constitution doesn’t allow government officials to treat religious Americans like second-class citizens. There is no constitutional right to cannabis or alcohol, but there is one that protects attending worship services. We’re grateful the governor has acknowledged our clients’ First Amendment freedoms. Yesterday’s announcement from the governor is not only a win for Christ’s Church of Mt. Spokane and Westgate Chapel, it’s good news for all Washingtonians.”In May, ADF attorneys filed Christ’s Church of Mt. Spokane v. Inslee in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, after the governor labeled spiritual gatherings as “COVID-19 ‘superspreader’ events,” and enacted a ban that uniquely restricts church gatherings.”
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ABOUT Ryan Tucker
Ryan Tucker serves as senior counsel and director of the Center for Christian Ministries with Alliance Defending Freedom. He oversees all litigation efforts to maintain and defend the constitutionally protected freedom of churches, Christian ministries and religious schools to exercise their rights under the First Amendment. Prior to joining ADF, Tucker engaged in private practice for over 16 years with a litigation boutique law firm in San Antonio, Texas, eight of those as a partner. His portfolio included all aspects of civil litigation, both state and federal, with a particular focus on commercial and complex business disputes. Tucker earned his Juris Doctor at Baylor Law School, where he was a senior editor of the Baylor Law Review. He obtained his bachelor of business administration in management at Texas A&M University, where he graduated cum laude. A member of the state bar in Texas and Arizona, Tucker is admitted to practice in the U.S. Supreme Court and multiple federal district and appellate courts.