A federal judge Saturday night denied Maryville Baptist Church’s motion for a restraining order blocking enforcement of Gov. Andy Beshear’s order barring faith-based mass gatherings.

Church members gathered again anyway Sunday. But this time, no state troopers showed up outside to issue notices.

Sitting in his vehicle outside the church, the Rev. Jack Roberts reiterated that he doesn't want anybody to get sick. But, he added, "most of these doctors have an agenda of their own."

"The governor (made) the wrong decision. I mean, that's all I can tell ya," Roberts said. "The governor can't make laws."

The church filed a lawsuit Friday saying that enforcement of the order discriminates against their rights under the First Amendment and the Kentucky Religious Freedom Restoration Act by prohibiting "mass gatherings" that are "faith-based."

But U.S. District Judge David Hale said that Beshear’s order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 bans all mass gatherings — "i.e., any event or convening that brings together groups of individuals, including civic, public, leisure, faith-based, or sporting events as well as concerts, festivals and conventions."

For that reason, Hale said it doesn’t discriminate against religion.

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In a seven-page opinion, he also noted that other forms of group worship are permitted, such as drive-in, online, video or telephone conferencing and radio and TV broadcasts.

The Maryville church, which has defied the governor’s order, argued it is nonetheless discriminatory because it allows people to go through drive-in liquor stores and to shop for groceries.

Read this:Kentucky pastor who held in-person Easter service won't self-quarantine for coronavirus

Earlier:Church that held controversial in-person Easter service despite warnings sues Beshear

But Hale said those are “transitory” activities, unlike a congregation gathering communally in a church. He said “a more apt comparison” is gathering in a restaurant or entertainment venue, which are prohibited under Beshear’s order.

The church asked that its lawsuit be assigned to Judge Justin Walker, an appointee of President Donald Trump, because Walker is already handling a similar lawsuit filed by On Fire Christian Church challenging restrictions on drive-in services.

But Hale, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, said the cases involve different parties and that reassigning the suit to Walker would not be “in the interests of justice.”

Hale got the case by random draw.

Hale said he would assign the case for additional hearings at dates to be determined later.

Maryville Baptist Church is represented by Liberty Counsel, which defended then-Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis in her fight against issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Background:Louisville area preacher defies ban on mass gatherings, plans to hold Sunday service

At least 50 people attended the April 12 service at the church in Hillview.

Its suit says Beshear's decision to have Kentucky State Police troopers record license plates and place notices on the vehicles of attendees at Maryville's Easter service about how they will have to self-quarantine was discriminatory and unconstitutional.