A judge has ruled that Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s restrictions on religious gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic were “null and void,” seeing as her emergency order expired after 28 days and had not been approved by the state legislature. For her part, Brown is seeking an immediate review by the state Supreme Court.
Judge finds Oregon governor’s coronavirus restrictions on religious gatherings ‘null and void.’ Governor to seek state Supreme Court review https://t.co/33NAzgml1N
— Maxine Bernstein (@maxoregonian) May 18, 2020
Circuit Judge Matthew B. Shirtcliff granted 10 churches that had sued the governor a preliminary injunction, finding they had shown “irreparable harm” from the deprivation of the right to freely exercise their religions.
“The governor’s orders are not required for public safety when plaintiffs can continue to utilize social distancing and safety protocols at larger gatherings involving spiritual worship,” he ruled.
…
Plaintiffs successfully argued that ORS 433.441 limits declared public health emergencies to 14 days, or up to 28 days maximum, and because COVID-19 is a public health crisis, that limitation applied.
The plaintiffs in the case were ten churches represented by the nonprofit group Pacific Justice Institute. Judge Shirtcliff noted that churches can take the same social distancing precautions as grocery stores and other essential businesses.
Pattern emerging: "A county judge has declared Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s coronavirus restrictions “null and void” because she didn’t have her emergency orders approved by the Legislature following 28 days." https://t.co/52dipY4q9v
— Noah Rothman (@NoahCRothman) May 18, 2020
Read the Oregon Constitution and you will see it limits the time period that a governor can suspend civil rights due to a declared state of emergency. Our constitution protects against abuse of power. Now the OR Supreme Court will decide if ORS 401.165 usurps the constitution.
— OGAF (@OrganicAgroMan) May 18, 2020
So, you are saying there are actual rules and procedures and stuff in America? I’m so confused
— Woodrow Wilson (@WoodrowPWilson) May 18, 2020
So happy for the Oregonians. Still sad for Minnesotans…..
— Cheryl E (@cherylocean) May 18, 2020
It is called the rule of law.
— illinidiva (@illinidiva12) May 18, 2020
You mean politicians can't just become dictators because Corona?
— Jason Mill (@VancouverBCC) May 18, 2020
The governor's orders are therefore deemed illegal by a judge.
Will the #Democrat comply with the law?— Crazy Horse (@JohnBZajac1) May 18, 2020
The problem is, the Republican Bible has a ninth Beatitude:
"Blessed are the ignorant and selfish for they shall go forth and infect others with no regard for the death and suffering they sow."— It Didn't Have To Be This Way (@MollyRogersHVLS) May 18, 2020
Grandma killers!
The Democrat Bible has no mention of God, Jesus, or the word religion or any synonym thereof. Just lots of whining about how others reject their oppressive demands on other people's property and natural rights and how these malcontents need to be crushed by the state.
— Investing in IPOs (@InvestingInIPOs) May 18, 2020
Remember when Democrats booed the restoration of the word “God” to the party platform in 2012? Don’t tell us about the “Republican Bible.”
Related:
HELL YES! The Atilis Gym opens in SPITE of NJ lockdown and what happens when the cops show up is freakin’ AWESOME (watch) https://t.co/RdMHTcMVL3
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) May 18, 2020
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