Judge doubts Kansas COVID-19 rule, blocks it for 2 churches

Judge Broomes was nominated to his post by Trump

https://news.yahoo.com/federal-judge-blocks-kansas-limits-192459418.html

JOHN HANNA
,Associated Press•April 18, 2020


A federal judge signaled that he believes there's a good chance that Kansas is violating religious freedom and free speech rights with a coronavirus-inspired 10-person limit on in-person attendance at religious services or activities and he blocked its enforcement against two churches that sued over it.

The ruling Saturday from U.S. District Judge John Broomes in Wichita prevents the enforcement of an order issued by Gov. Laura Kelly against a church in Dodge City in western Kansas and one in Junction City in northeast Kansas. The judge's decision will remain in effect until May 2; he has a hearing scheduled Thursday in the lawsuit filed against Kelly by the two churches and their pastors, on whether he should issue a longer-term or broader injunction.

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COVID-19-related deaths rose Saturday [in Kansas] by two, to 86, and confirmed coronavirus cases increased by 85 to 1,790. Kelly's office said six deaths and 80 cases are tied to religious gatherings.

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The lawsuit over church gatherings was filed Thursday by First Baptist Church in Dodge City and Pastor Stephen Ormond and Calvary Baptist Church in Junction City and Pastor Aaron Harris. The lawsuit said both churches held indoor Easter services with 20 or more members of the congregation present.

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