A San Diego federal judge ruled Wednesday that a lawsuit accusing pro-Palestinian protesters of blocking access to worship services can proceed, finding sufficient evidence that demonstrators violated a federal law protecting religious gatherings.
U.S. District Judge Andrew Schopler largely denied a motion to dismiss the case brought by the Christian & Jewish Alliance against eight named defendants and 40 unnamed protesters. The interfaith organization claims demonstrators targeted three events last year where members gathered to worship and discuss support for Israel.
Federal Law Protects Access to Worship
The lawsuit invokes the Freedom of Access to Clinical Entrances Act, known as the FACE Act. While Congress originally passed the law to prevent protesters from blocking abortion clinics, it also prohibits obstructing entrance to places of worship.
The Christian & Jewish Alliance says protesters disrupted a March 19, 2025 event at Mission Church in Carlsbad, California, that drew about 400 attendees. The gathering included worship services and educational content about supporting Israel, featuring a speaker the organization described as a “form[er]” — the source material cuts off mid-word.
Judge Schopler found the organization had adequately claimed that protesters physically disrupted and blocked entrance to what plaintiffs described as interfaith worship events.
What Happens Next in Federal Court
The defendants’ motion to dismiss argued the case should not proceed, but Schopler rejected most of those arguments. The ruling means the lawsuit advances to the discovery phase, where both sides will gather evidence and potentially face depositions about what happened outside the church.
The case tests whether the FACE Act applies when protests target religious events with explicitly political content about Israel. Defense attorneys could argue the gatherings were political rallies rather than worship services, though Wednesday’s ruling suggests that distinction may not matter if worship was part of the event.
The Christian & Jewish Alliance must now prove protesters intentionally obstructed access to their religious gatherings. The eight named defendants face potential civil penalties if the organization prevails.
Key Points
- San Diego judge mostly denied motion to dismiss lawsuit against protesters who allegedly blocked worship events
- Christian & Jewish Alliance invoked FACE Act, federal law protecting access to places of worship
- Case now advances to discovery phase where both sides will gather evidence about March 2025 incident
https://www.courthousenews.com/interfaith-groups-lawsuit-against-pro-palestinian-protesters-will-proceed-federal-judge-rules/ – October 22, 2026
