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Langley, B.C., church fined for violating COVID-19 restrictions

Click to play video: 'Coronavirus: Some B.C. churches defy public health orders'
Coronavirus: Some B.C. churches defy public health orders
At least three Lower Mainland churches have defied the order by Dr. Bonnie Henry to shut down. As Sarah MacDonald reports, they argue their right to worship trumps the doctor's orders – Nov 30, 2020

A Langley church has been given a fine of $2,300 for violating COVID-19 restrictions.

A sign posted outside Riverside Calvary Chapel outlines its mask wearing policy for worshippers. Global News
Click to play video: 'B.C. churches defy COVID-19 restrictions by holding weekend services'
B.C. churches defy COVID-19 restrictions by holding weekend services

A service was held at Riverside Calvary Chapel on 201 Street and 96 Avenue in North Langley on Sunday morning, in spite of the public health order banning group services at religious centres, police said.

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Cpl. Holly Largy said the ticket was handed out at around 9 a.m.

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Does religious freedom trump public health?
A sign posted outside Riverside Calvary Chapel in Langley pegs the maximum number of worshippers allowed inside at 50 people, despite restrictions in place banning group services at religious centres. Global News

The congregation was first given a warning and the opportunity to disperse, but proceeded to gather anyway, Largy said.

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Meanwhile, Global News was made aware of two other churches in the Chilliwack area — the Free Grace Baptist Church, and Free Reformed Church — that were also open for service.

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RCMP are said to have been called to both churches, but it’s unclear what consequences if any may have been incurred as a result of services being held against provincial health orders.

Click to play video: 'How will new mask requirement in B.C. be enforced?'
How will new mask requirement in B.C. be enforced?

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