AG Cameron wants Gov. Beshear to rescind Kentucky ban on in-person church services
Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron urged Gov. Andy Beshear to rescind his order prohibiting in-person church services during the outbreak of COVID-19.
In a press conference Tuesday, Cameron said that if Beshear would not rescind the order, a lawsuit would be filed. Beshear prohibited mass gatherings in hopes of slowing the spread of COVID-19 and has said the order does not single out religious services.
In his daily press conference Tuesday, Beshear addressed Cameron’s comments on his restrictions affecting both church services and travel.
“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 also said that safe methods of worship are available, including virtual services and drive-in services. He said he would not get in a “back and forth” with anyone on the issues and was “done with politics.”
In his own press conference, Cameron said he acknowledges that governors have had to make difficult choices during the coronavirus outbreak, but that some orders have been unconstitutional.
“We know that the virus could have tragic consequences, and we must do everything in our power to stop it,” Cameron said. “But the virus is not the only unprecedented thing we are having to face now. Every day we are asked or ordered to take new steps to protect the public health.”
Cameron said he is not advocating for in-person church services to resume right away but the choice should be up to church leaders.
“I believe that the good Lord gives us wisdom and judgment, and we should use it in such a way that we protect our fellow Kentuckians,” Cameron said. “I have personally enjoyed online services offered by my church and applaud all religious leaders for their creativity and adaptability over the past several weeks. 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.”
Cameron, a Republican, has showed his willingness to go to court to fight Democrat Beshear on coronavirus issues. He also is challenging the governor’s “unconstitutional” ban on out-of-state travel in a lawsuit.
While churches have had to close, Cameron noted large liquor, home improvement and grocery stores have been allowed to remain open.
Cameron also cited an instance where churchgoers’ license plates were taken down by Kentucky State Police at an Easter service held at Maryville Baptist Church near Louisville.
The pastor of Maryville Baptist Church filed a lawsuit April 14 against Beshear calling for an injunction to block the order prohibiting church services. The request for an injunction was denied by U.S. District Court Judge David J. Hale, who wrote that Beshear’s orders did not single out religious expression.
Clays Mill Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Fugate also spoke Tuesday at Cameron’s conference. His church has held online services, but he supported Cameron’s call for Beshear to rescind the order, Fugate said.
Fugate said that his church wants to resume in-person services while taking precautions, including having separate services just for those who are more vulnerable to COVID-19 and being physically distant from one another during services.
This story was originally published April 28, 2020 at 4:19 PM.
