Recent Developments in Minnesota Regarding Restraining Orders

• Key point. Churches do not have to tolerate persons who disrupt worship services. Churches can obtain "restraining orders" prohibiting such persons from entering onto church property.

A Minnesota court upheld the legal validity of a restraining order prohibiting a disruptive individual from entering onto a church's premises. A person (the "defendant") disrupted services at a Catholic church. The church's board of directors adopted a resolution authorizing the pastor to send a letter to the defendant banning him from church property, and to enforce the ban through appropriate legal action. This letter was hand—delivered to the defendant. Later, on three separate occasions, the defendant attended services at the church despite being banned from the premises. The church board asked a court to issue a "harassment restraining order". Following a hearing, a court issued a restraining ...