Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron has asked Gov. Andy Beshear to lift the restrictions regarding in-person church services, saying in a Tuesday press conference that a lawsuit would be filed if the governor did not rescind the order.
Beshear previously signed an order prohibiting mass gatherings in hopes of slowing the spread of COVID-19. Religious services were included, but Beshear said they were not singled out.
The order — issued by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and signed by Beshear — states that “mass gatherings include any event or convening that brings together groups of individuals.”
However, Cameron said the order prohibits religious freedom for Kentucky citizens and violates the First Amendment.
“Simply put, the current prohibition against in-person church services is, in the view of this office, unconstitutional,” Cameron said.
Earlier Tuesday, Cameron also filed a motion in federal court challenging the governor’s ban on out-of-state travel. Those who travel out of state are asked to quarantine for 14 days upon return, though there are exceptions for limited reasons such as work and healthcare.
Cameron was initially a defendant alongside Beshear in the original lawsuit against the travel ban. According to a release from the attorney general’s office, Cameron asked the court to realign him as a plaintiff “to represent the people of Kentucky and protect their constitutional right to travel from infringement by Governor Beshear’s travel ban.”
In his daily press conference Tuesday afternoon, Beshear briefly addressed lawsuits filed against him both for travel restrictions and church services.
“In both cases we’ve had early rulings by a judge indicating that they are likely to rule that everything we have done is legal,” Beshear said. “I’m not trying to set rules that are difficult, and I’m not trying to set rules that are controversial. I’m just trying to set rules that save people’s lives.”
Beshear said churchgoers still have the right to worship — it’s just through different methods for now.
“We have safe opportunities to worship,” he said. “Right now they are virtual and they are drive-in services. Many states didn’t allow drive-in services, and that’s really where the litigation is around the United States.”
Cameron said he was not suggesting churches resume in-person services immediately, but said it should be up to each institution to make that decision.
“I have faith that Kentucky’s religious leaders will listen to healthcare experts on when is the appropriate time and manner to resume in-person services,” he said. “When they do so, I know they will be responsible.”
Cameron also encouraged congregations and religious leaders to follow CDC guidelines regarding social distancing, health and hygiene once in-person services are restored.
“What I hope is that this is something the governor takes into consideration and that he will give the opportunity for churches to meet in person — again, with the understanding that the church should have the opportunity under the First Amendment to meet as they deem appropriate, but following CDC guidelines and any other regulations that might apply,” Cameron said.
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For the latest information and data on COVID-19 in Kentucky visit kycovid19.ky.gov or dial the Kentucky state hotline at 800-722-5725.
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