Deschutes commissioners hold off on not enforcing ban on large church gatherings

Commissioners say they'll continue discussion next week

(Update: Adding video, comment; no decision on proposed order)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Deschutes County commissioners met Thursday to discuss a proposed order stating the county won't enforce Gov. Kate Brown's executive order banning religious gatherings of more than 25 people.  But after much discussion, they decided to revisit the matter again late next week.

Commissioner Patti Adair, who proposed the order, said she had been contacted by a number of local pastors and priests, in regard to reopening church services.  

“I worry about the mental health of our community, and spiritualism is important,” Adair said.

"Just being alone in your apartment for a couple of months is not healthy for people," she added.

The proposed order states the county won't "undertake steps to enforce any state government restrictions pursuant to Executive Orders of Governor Kate Brown, which restrict or impede the constitutionally guaranteed rights of Oregonians to gather together to worship God."

Adair's colleagues asked questions about the proposal, but appeared to be leaning toward taking such a stand, if details can be worked out.

Commissioner Phil Henderson said: “One of the things that bothered me a lot was, one, it wasn’t granted in Phase 1 (reopening), while a lot of businesses were, and two, it wasn’t even addressed, from what I saw, in the governor’s announcement, which I find troubling.”

But colleague Tony DeBone said at one point while he agreed with much of what's in the order, he didn't feel it was the "right tool" for the county to use.

The proposal and debate comes as several Oregon churches have sued the governor and other officials, in both state and federal courts, to allow them to reopen while following social distancing guidelines and other COVID-19 requirements.

Commissioners discussed the order Thursday morning, before Budget Committee discussions, and again in the afternoon before deciding to continue the matter to a week from Friday.

Adair mentioned waiting to hear from the governor's office and state officials, as Phase 2 could come as soon as next week and change the basis for of the order.