Harris Urges Baltimore County Executive to Protect Religious Liberty

Press Release

Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) today wrote to Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski urging him to reconsider the fines levied against Calvary Baptist Church in Dundalk for hosting services over Memorial Day weekend. Additionally, Congressman Harris will attend a press conference at the Towson Courthouse at 10AM on Friday, June 12th to discuss the unconstitutionality of discriminating against churches in enforcement of COVID public gathering guidelines by Baltimore County. Pastor Stacey Shiflett of Calvary Baptist Church and other elected officials will be in attendance.

Congressman Harris made the following statement:

"All First Amendment rights must be treated equally. Baltimore County cannot capriciously fine a religious institution for violating public gathering mandates while choosing not to enforce these mandates during other social public assemblies, such as the one in Towson this week that appropriately called for social justice, but greatly exceed the 10 person limit, and, unlike the situation at Calvary Baptist, did not uniformly adhere to CDC guidelines. This selective action against Calvary Baptist is wrong, and should be terminated. If not, I will ask Attorney General Barr to investigate this violation of the congregants' First Amendment rights."

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