Pacific Justice Institute Urges U.S. Supreme Court to Strike Down $1.2 Million Fine Against California Church

April 30, 2026

Amicus brief challenges penalties tied to COVID-era restrictions on worship services

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) has filed an amicus brief before the U.S. Supreme Court in support of Calvary Chapel San José, urging the Court to review a $1.2 million fine imposed on the church for holding worship services during COVID-19 restrictions in California.

The case, Calvary Chapel San José v. California, No. 25-703, arises from state and local restrictions that limited religious gatherings while allowing various secular activities to continue under less restrictive standards. The church was fined by Santa Clara County after continuing in-person worship services during the pandemic.

According to PJI's amicus brief, California courts repeatedly ruled against churches during the pandemic, even as the U.S. Supreme Court issued decisions increasingly critical of restrictions that treated religious worship less favorably than comparable secular activities.

In cases such as Tandon v. Newsom, the Court held that such rules were not neutral or generally applicable under the Free Exercise Clause, and noted that it had repeatedly rejected similar analyses by lower courts. The Court also cautioned against shifting standards in the application of these restrictions, underscoring the need for consistent protection of religious liberty.

The Supreme Court previously intervened in related cases, including Gateway City Church v. Newsom, in which PJI represented churches subject to similar restrictions. In that case, the Court determined that lower courts had erred in failing to protect religious freedom.

Despite these rulings, Calvary Chapel San José continues to face enforcement of significant financial penalties tied to restrictions that were later scaled back or invalidated. The church has now petitioned the Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari, seeking review of the lower court decisions.

Brad Dacus, founder and president of Pacific Justice Institute, emphasized the importance of the case:

"This case presents a critical question about whether churches can be penalized for exercising their faith during a time when constitutional protections were being actively clarified by the Supreme Court. Religious freedom remains one of the most essential liberties we have, and it must be applied consistently."

David Peters, an attorney with Pacific Justice Institute and counsel for the amicus brief, added: "Our brief highlights a pattern of decisions during the pandemic that placed religious institutions at a disadvantage. The Supreme Court has already provided important guidance in this area. This case presents an opportunity to ensure that those principles are applied consistently and that penalties imposed under earlier rulings are carefully reviewed."

The case has followed an extended procedural path through the California courts. After adverse rulings at the appellate level and denial of review by the California Supreme Court, Calvary Chapel filed its petition before the U.S. Supreme Court in December 2025.

PJI submitted its amicus brief on January 15, 2026. As of April 2026, the Supreme Court has not yet determined whether it will grant review.

Pacific Justice Institute continues to defend individuals and institutions whose rights under the Constitution are affected by government action.

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