Churches in Kentucky may hold in-person services beginning Sunday after a federal judge made a ruling Friday night against Governor Andy Beshear’s ban.
The Courier-Journal reports U.S. District Judge Greg Van Tatenhove ruled that Tabernacle Baptist Church in Nicholasville and all other churches could resume services.
At a hearing Friday, attorneys for Tabernacle church, including a deputy of Attorney General Daniel Cameron, argued the governor’s order discriminated against the free exercise of religion because people are allowed to shop and gather in conference rooms of law firms and other private businesses.
Arguments were also brought up by Deputy Attorney General Barry Dunn concerning Governor Beshear’s daily news conferences that bring up to 12 people to his office. Dunn argued, “one First Amendment right, can’t trump another.”
Churches were asked to close Thursday, March 19 as a way to help “flatten the curve” when acting Secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services Eric Friedlander issued an order prohibiting mass gatherings.
In a statement released Friday night, Attorney General Daniel Cameron said two federal court judges issued two separate rulings against Governor Andy Beshear’s unconstitutional executive orders. He adds “both rulings affirm that the law prohibits the government from treating houses of worship differently than secular activities during this pandemic.”
Cameron encourages all houses of worship to prayerfully and carefully consider the right time to resume in-person services consistent with health guidelines. He adds although the rulings protect the religious liberty of Kentuckians, we must all continue to protect the health of our fellow citizens by reopening carefully.
