Monday, May 04, 2020

Priest Sues Challenging New Jersey COVID-19 Order

Last week, a New Jersey Catholic priest filed suit challenging New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy's COVID-19 Order which has led to the closure of all Catholic churches in the state. The complaint (full text) in Robinson v. Murphy, (D NJ, filed 4/30/2020), alleging violations of the 1st and 14th Amendments, seeks a temporary restraining order preventing the state from imposing different restrictions on religious gatherings than it does on gatherings at "essential" commercial businesses.  NJ101.5 News reports on the lawsuit.

UPDATE: On July 23, plaintiffs filed a third amended complaint (full text) in the case. Thomas More Society issued a press release announcing the filing.