An Albertan pastor heads to court this morning to stand trial for allegedly violating Alberta public health orders by holding worship gatherings in violation of gathering size limits.
James Coates remained in police custody for over a month after being arrested in mid-February and refusing to agree to bail conditions. All but one of his charges were dropped in March, with the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms saying at the time that Coates and the JCCF wanted to contest in court the constitutionality of limiting worship gathering sizes.
"The trial will proceed for up to four days initially, but will then be adjourned because government lawyers are not yet prepared to present any medical or scientific evidence that might support the health orders under which Pastor Coates is charged," the JCCF claims in a release sent out on Friday afternoon.
"Pastor Coates’ Charter challenge to the constitutionality and legality of Dr. Deena Hinshaw’s lockdown restrictions will be heard by the Court at an unknown later date."
Alberta Crown Prosecution Service says they will not comment on the matter as it is before the courts.
Tue, Apr 23, 1:20 PM
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