A constitutional challenge by Aylmer’s Church of God opened in St. Thomas court Monday morning as their lawyers argue their rights to freedom of religion and assembly have been violated.
Also included in the challenge is Trinity Bible Chapel in Waterloo which was also charged last spring with violations of public health restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of COVI-19.
Last spring, Justice Bruce Thomas found the church and its pastor Henry Hildebrandt to be in contempt of his order directing the church to stop holding religious gatherings that defy Ontario’s COVID-19 restrictions.
In total the church accumulated close to $400,000 in fines.
Justice Thomas ordered the church doors locked on May 14 of last year, they have since been re-opened.
Further details will be shared as the case continues.
