Kentucky Attorney General blasts his governor's "palpably unconstitutional" attacks on churches

Many pastors and churches are being targeted by state and local officials for exercising their God-given, constitutional rights to worship -- including online and parking lot services.

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Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is fast becoming a case study in tyranny. First, Gov. Beshear was warned by a Federal Court to leave churches alone. Then he received a warning from the U.S. Attorney General to stop discriminating.

Now, Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron has filed a supporting brief in our case arguing he must STOP DISCRIMINATING AGAINST CHURCHES. But the defiant governor still refuses to listen…and Liberty Counsel client Maryville Baptist Church, along with every church in Kentucky, continues to suffer from his illegal orders that prohibit all "religious gatherings" of ANY KIND.

As you may recall, while allowing liquor stores and Home Depots to open with little to no "social distancing" enforcement, Gov. Beshear sent police officers to harass Maryville Baptist Church members. He ordered them to a mandatory 14-day quarantine – the equivalent of house arrest – for attending a socially-distanced "drive in church" where attendees stayed in the comfort and safety of their own cars on Easter Sunday.

AG Cameron's brief quotes a similar case and he wrote, in part:

The exclusion of religious organizations from the list of "life-sustaining" activities is no small matter. Governor Beshear has publicly declared that attending worship service is not life-sustaining, while allowing liquor stores and retailers to continue operating. It is mind-boggling discrimination.

The fact that Governor Beshear has identified 19 categories of activities that are, in his judgment, more essential than in-person church services is proof positive of impermissible targeting of religious exercise.

The freedom to practice one's faith is a defining feature of American liberty.

Governor Beshear ... [is] dictating how Kentuckians should exercise their religion.... Yet the First Amendment exists precisely to protect the beliefs of those who disagree.

Unbelievably, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear remains defiant!

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As a result of Governor Beshear's illegal quarantine orders, some of Maryville Baptist Church's members lost their jobs.

Governor Beshear has offered no explanation as to why it is necessary to prohibit religious activities that pose no greater risk than commercial establishments. Governor Beshear has offered no explanation as to why sitting in a Home Depot parking lot is safe and legal but sitting in the parking lot of a church is unsafe and illegal.

Governor Beshear CANNOT offer a reasonable legal explanation of why he is keeping big businesses open but forcing churches to close, because there isn't one. His actions are patently illegal and unconstitutional, and both the Kentucky Attorney General and the Attorney General of the United States agree on that fact.

But our fight in the courts rages on…because defiance of the law and the Constitution has become a growing problem among our elected officials who stubbornly adhere to a tyrannical agenda of forcing their anti-Christian viewpoints upon churches…

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George Washington wrote,

Of all the disposition and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim tribute to patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness....

Kentucky Attorney General Cameron understands that the First Amendment does not evaporate during a crisis.

We are thankful for the KY Attorney General's amicus brief. However, the AG's filing does not end this case. In fact, as our various cases defending churches across the country unfold, it is clear that Liberty Counsel may have to litigate church-closure cases all the way to the Supreme Court.

A fight of this magnitude is an extremely expensive prospect, but it is a necessary one in order to ensure that no politician anywhere within the United States will violate religious freedom in such circumstances.

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During this trying time, it is more important than ever to remember God's eternal Words. "The name of the Lord is a strong tower: The righteous run to it and are safe." (Proverbs 18:10).  Let us run to His Word now, and take courage, for He is with us always!

In Christ,

Mat Staver
Founder and Chairman

P.S. Ready to take MORE action? Multiple governors continue to inhibit constitutional rights to life, liberty, and religious freedom. Take a moment right now to fax all 50 governors and tell them to ReOpen America! Select Here.

Please, take a moment to check out our ReOpen Church Sunday initiative, designed to join all America's churches on one day in prayer, supplication and praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - select here to learn more