>> Latest California religious freedom ruling >> A California court is standing up for religious freedom by slapping down an executive order that effectively closes churches. >> On Thursday, California Superior Court judge Gregory Pulskamp blocked an order by leftist California governor Gavin Newsom, whose Blueprint for a Safer Economy — unveiled on Sept. 28 — relegated churches as "non-essential" during the Wuhan virus scare. >> The lawsuit was launched a day later by Fr. Trevor Burfitt, a member the Society of St. Pius X, an organization that's not in full communion with the Catholic Church. He sued Newsom and 19 other state officials, asserting Newsom's order suppresses religious liberty. >> Judge Pulskamp agreed.