Attorney General Cameron Files Amicus Brief Supporting Bullitt County Church Against Governor Beshear’s Ban of Gatherings

April 29, 2020 / Ted Cox

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 29, 2020) – Attorney General Daniel Cameron today filed an amicus brief in support of a Bullitt County church’s lawsuit against Governor Beshear’s unconstitutional ban on religious services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The brief, filed in Maryville Baptist Church v. Beshear, argues that Governor Beshear’s March 19 and March 25 executive orders mandate a broad ban against faith-based activity throughout the Commonwealth, while allowing secular activities and organizations to continue operation.

The March 19 order expressly lists “faith-based” gatherings as a type of mass gathering that is banned during the pandemic. The order is written as broadly as possible, leaving no doubt that all “faith-based” gatherings are illegal.

In the March 25 follow-up order, Governor Beshear closed all organizations that are not “life-sustaining.” In the order, he fails to identify faith-based gatherings as those that sustain life, despite identifying 19 other categories of activities that are allowed to continue operation. When Maryville Baptist Church did not close, Governor Beshear ordered the taking of worshippers’ license plate numbers.

“Both the Constitution and state law protect the rights of our citizens, of all faiths and backgrounds, to freely worship as they see fit,” said Attorney General Cameron. “If a church wishes to hold an in-person service to practice their faith, they should be allowed to do so consistent with CDC recommendations. Other states have narrowly tailored their orders to protect the First Amendment rights of citizens while also discouraging the spread of COVID-19. Governor Beshear’s unnecessarily broad orders fail to strike this important balance.”

Attorney General Cameron has called on Governor Beshear to rescind the executive orders targeting faith-based gatherings. If the Governor fails to rescind them, Attorney General Cameron plans to file a lawsuit regarding the constitutionality of the orders.

To view a copy of the amicus brief, click here.