It’s also important to note that Gov. Hogan’s stay-at-home order bans congregations of over ten people; furthermore, Maryland State Police officers have threatened to penalize individuals who partake in religious groups. The individuals suing Gov. Hogan also pointed out his decision to classify liquor stores as “essential,” while failing to extend this classification to places of worship.
Additional governors in Michigan, Colorado, California, Wisconsin, and other states are facing lawsuits. Co-defendants in the lawsuit against Gov. Larry Hogan include Maryland State Police Superintendent Woodrow W. Jones, Deputy Secretary of Public Health Services Frances B. Phillips, and Health Secretary Robert Neall.
The Importance of Rights Even in Crisis
Governors’ decisions to issue these lockdowns have prompted not only lawsuits, but also renewed talks about rights and liberties. To be precise, Americans have rightfully pointed out that rights don’t end where coronavirus begins.
The reality is that the rights to assemble and engage in religious worship don’t end because of COVID-19. If anything, the need to hold onto inalienable rights becomes even more imperative during trying times. This is when individuals who seek power and control are likelier to attempt stealing rights; of course, the effort to take rights away from people is always initially framed as a move for the “greater good” or to “protect” others.
