"'Lift the Ban on Non-Worship Church Events' 청원 at Blue House Surpasses 300,000 Signatures"

"Excessive Quarantine Measures... Reverse Discrimination Against Churches"

A petition titled "Please cancel the government's ban on church events other than regular worship services" was posted on the Blue House National Petition Board on the 8th. As of 7:50 PM on the 9th, the petition had received 308,349 signatures. Photo by Blue House National Petition Board capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Gayeon] The government banned small gatherings within churches starting from the 10th to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Within a day of a petition requesting the cancellation of this government measure being posted, it garnered over 300,000 supporters.

On the 8th, a petition titled "Please cancel the government's ban on events other than regular worship services at churches" was posted on the Blue House National Petition Board.

The petitioner began by quoting part of the announcement made by the quarantine authorities that day, stating, "This government measure is discriminatory against churches."

He said, "Most of the COVID-19 cluster infections reported in the media within churches occurred because quarantine rules were not followed," adding, "While places where more people gather, such as clubs, karaoke rooms, restaurants, and cafes, have not faced significant restrictions, I cannot understand the government's decision to limit church gatherings."

He continued, "Of course, if quarantine rules are violated, strong penalties are necessary, but imposing sanctions on all churches based on cases from a very small number of churches is an excessive quarantine measure," and claimed, "No cluster infections have been reported in churches that comply with quarantine rules."

He further argued, "This is a clear discrimination against other religions and facilities, and the government itself is violating Article 20, Clause 1 of the Constitution, which states 'All citizens shall enjoy freedom of religion,'" raising his voice, "Why are only churches being oppressed? Is this what freedom and democracy in the Republic of Korea mean?"

The petitioner urged, "If not, please cancel the government's ban on events other than regular worship services at churches."

As of 7:50 PM on the 9th, the petition had received 308,349 endorsements.

Earlier, on the 8th, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters announced that, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, enhanced quarantine rules would be implemented, banning various small gatherings, events, and group meals at churches other than regular worship services, and requiring the introduction of electronic entry log systems. This measure will take effect from 6 PM on the 10th.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said at a briefing held at the Osong Disease Control Headquarters in Chungbuk on the same day, "We believe that, based on analyzing cluster outbreak cases and risks at cathedrals, temples, and other places, it will be possible to expand or adjust the quarantine rules applied to churches if necessary."

Director Jung explained, "Many infections occurred through social gatherings or meals centered around churches, and based on these cases spreading to the local community, we requested the initial application of these measures," adding, "Cathedrals and temples also pose clear risks of infection spread when people gather closely or eat without wearing masks, so these must be managed intensively."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.