Gish v. Newsom

On April 13, 2020, Dhillon Law Group, in conjunction with the Center for American Liberty, filed a First Amendment lawsuit in Federal Court challenging the Governor's criminalization of the free exercise of religion. The following day, a preliminary injunction seeking immediate relief for our clients was also filed. Dhillon Law Group represents two pastors in Riverside County, one pastor in San Bernardino County, and one church member in San Bernardino County.

“The restrictions placed upon our clients are completely discriminatory and arbitrary,” said Harmeet Dhillon, Chief Executive Officer for the Center for American Liberty. “The Constitution doesn’t allow for state officials to treat churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples as second-class ‘non-essential’ organizations.”

“Marijuana dispensaries, liquor stores, fast food restaurants, laundromats, and numerous other businesses are allowed to operate provided social distancing standards are satisfied. The same should be true of houses of worship,” said Dhillon. “Without immediate judicial intervention, our clients will suffer irreparable harm,” concluded Dhillon.

Defendants opposition briefs are due by Friday, May 1, 2010 and Plaintiffs reply is due by Tuesday, May 5, 2020