Legal Alliance Wins Court Order Allowing Churches To Continue Worshiping In NYC Public Schools

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A legal alliance of Christian lawyers says it has won a court order allowing churches to continue meeting in New York City public schools while a federal court more fully considers Constitutional arguments about the practice.

The temporary restraining order is in effect for 10 days, which means those churches can hold services in schools for the next two Sundays.

The Alliance Defense Fund says it sought the order earlier this month to stop the evictions based on violations of the First Amendment that had not been ruled on previously in the case.

New York City had upheld a court ruling barring churches from holding services inside public schools.

Last year, the city announced congregations would have to stop using public schools for services starting Feb. 12, but religious groups would still be allowed to rent schools for discussions and instruction.

Bills are pending in the State Legislature and City Council that would reverse the ban.