Page 16 - IAV Digital Magazine #511

iAV - Antelope Valley Digital Magazine
California Pastor Temporarily Turns His Chapel IntoaStripClubToBeDeemed“Essential”
Since the time various shut- downs, stay-at- home orders, et cetera, were enacted to “slow the spread” of the Wuhan flu, the list of businesses and activities con- sidered “essen- tial” has been illogical at best. In California, mari- juana dispen- saries and liquor stores have remained open, while gyms and churches have been shut down.
Multiple churches in California have sued over the shutdown order and their “nonessential” designation, argu- ing that shutting down churches violates the First Amendment. Others have con- tinued to hold indoor services despite the shut- down order, including Godspeak Calvary Chapel in Ventura County,
led by Pastor Rob McCoy – who stepped down from his post as a member of the Thousand Oaks City Council before defying the health officer’s order back in April.
For the people in the back, here’s what the First Amendment says:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of
religion, or pro- hibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of griev- ances.
Strip club owners in the state have also challenged the shutdown order in court, saying that their businesses are “legally protected speech guaran- teed by the First Amendment.” On November 12, a San Diego Superior Court judge ordered that county to temporarily reopen strip clubs, pending a full hearing at the end of the month, after an initial hearing in a case brought by two strip club owners.
Since being able to provide live adult entertain- ment is a protect- ed right in at least
one county, for at least a few weeks, might churches be able to use this ruling to their advan- tage?
Pastor McCoy, inspired by former Gov. Mike Huckabee, decid- ed to take a chance. When he opened Sunday’s service, he chuckled and said, “I want you to know, what’s about to transpire is Gov. Mike Huckabee’s fault.” He set the scene by playing a clip from Hannity in which Gov. Huckabee said a church could announce that their pastor would remove his tie during the ser- mon, and since he was taking off an article of cloth- ing, that would make the church a temporary strip club and there- fore it would be legal for the parishioners to attend services.
And then, McCoy took it further. He
actually danced to striptease music, and not only did he take his tie off, he threw it into the audience – in which some members were holding up dollar bills for their multi-talented pastor.
After a few good laughs, McCoy’s message focused on the increased persecution churches face during the pan- demic shutdowns and the tyrannical rule being embraced by so many on both sides of the aisle.
Asfaraswe know, no one was cited for breaking the “purple tier” restrictions in place in the coun- ty.
McCoy’s dance performance only lasts a minute or so; if you have time, the remain- der of the sermon is very good.
iAV - Antelope Valley Digital Magazine