Appeals court rejects challenge by 7 Manitoba churches to void provincial COVID-19 rules

The Manitoba Court of Appeal has quashed an appeal request from seven churches to have some of the province's former COVID-19 restrictions declared invalid.

The Manitoba Court of Appeal has quashed an appeal request from seven churches to have some of the province's former COVID-19 restrictions declared invalid.

The Appeal Court says a Court of King's Bench judge did not err in his analysis that the restrictions were necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and allowable under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Lawyers for the churches argued public health orders in 2020 and 2021 that temporarily closed in-person religious services, then permitted them with caps on attendance, violated the Charter.

The churches' lawyers told the Court of Appeal that the trial judge erred in not fully examining whether less restrictive rules could have achieved the same goal.

A lawyer for the church says they are disappointed with the decision, and are considering next steps.