Three Kentuckians filed the lawsuit against Beshear on Tuesday, alleging that Beshear's prohibition on in-person church services has violated their constitutional rights.
They attended an in-person church service near Louisville on Easter. State police placed notices on the cars at Maryville Baptist Church during the service, ordering the churchgoers to self-quarantine for 14 days. The plaintiffs also argue in the suit that they don't show any symptoms of the virus, so they should not have to quarantine.
The lawsuit says, "In his evening briefings, the Governor made clear that he was going to target religious services for these notices, apart from other gatherings. Based on the activity of the Kentucky State Police on April 12, 2020, the Governor carried out his threat."
TJ Roberts, one of the plaintiffs in the case, provided the following statement to West Kentucky Star.
"Our right to worship in accordance with our cautions is a fundamental right. Our nation was founded by descendants of people seeking to escape religious persecution. I filed this lawsuit because I know that our fundamental rights still matter even during an emergency." Roberts continued, "It is my hope that this lawsuit vindicates my belief in the Freedoms outlined in the Bill of Rights and declares these infringements on liberty unconstitutional."
During a previous press conference, Beshear reiterated his support for the plan, saying he was just doing his best to save lives.
"There are no easy answers. I'm willing to make unpopular decisions regardless of what it means for me in the future," Beshear continued, "I would give up being politically popular in a nanosecond to save lives."
U.S. Senator Rand Paul and Representative Thomas Massie both spoke out against Beshear's prohibition on the in-person services on Twitter.
"Taking license plates at church? Quarantining someone for being Christian on Easter Sunday? Someone needs to take a step back here," Paul said.
Massie had similar feelings.
He said, "The same week Jews celebrate freedom from bondage and Christians celebrate freedom from death, Governor Beshear is going to be in your church parking lot scanning your license plate."
You can read the lawsuit in its entirety at the link below.
On the Net:
In-Person Services Lawsuit
