Chief Justice Christopher Hinkson says public health orders already prohibit such gatherings and it's within the power of Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and the government to escalate enforcement without a court order. The province argues that restrictions on in-person religious services are necessary to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, which could overwhelm B.C. However, Morley argued existing restrictions on worshippers aren't working and a court order could add weight and protect the public. There is "no question'' that gatherings in the coming weeks create an ongoing risk to public health, he said. "They have every right to challenge the public health orders, but they do not have a right not to abide by them in the meantime.''

Source: CBC News February 12, 2021 22:02 UTC