SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A judge in Oregon on Monday tossed out statewide coronavirus restrictions imposed by Democratic Gov. Kate Brown, saying she didn’t seek the Legislature's approval to extend the stay-at-home orders beyond a 28-day limit.
In his opinion, Judge Shirtcliff wrote that the damage to Oregonians and their livelihood was greater than the dangers presented by Covid-19. He also noted that other businesses deemed essential, such as grocery stores, had been allowed to remain open even with large numbers of people present and have relied on masks, social distancing and other measures to protect the public.
"The governor's orders are not required for public safety when plaintiffs can continue to utilize social distancing and safety actions at larger gatherings."
www.oregonlive.com report - A Baker County judge on Monday ruled that Gov. Kate Brown’s restrictions on religious gatherings as well as her other “Stay Home Save Lives” coronavirus orders are "null and void'' because they exceed a 28-day limit -- potentially throwing statewide pandemic response plans into disarray.
Less than three hours later, the governor’s office appealed to the state Supreme Court to keep her emergency orders in effect.
“This will ensure we can continue to safeguard the health of all Oregonians — including frontline health care workers, those living in nursing homes, workers in agriculture and food processing plants, and Oregonians with underlying health conditions –– while the legal process moves forward,“ Brown said in a statement.
Circuit Judge Matthew B. Shirtcliff granted a preliminary injunction to 10 churches that had sued the governor, finding they had shown "irreparable harm'' from the deprivation of the right to freely exercise their religions.
"The governor’s orders are not required for public safety when plaintiffs can continue to utilize social distancing and safety protocols at larger gatherings involving spiritual worship,'' he ruled.
He noted: “Plaintiffs have shown that they will be harmed by deprivation of the constitutional right to freely exercise their religion. Other plaintiffs have also shown great economic harm to their businesses and their ability to seek livelihood.”
He found that the churches can take necessary social distancing precautions, just as grocery stores and other essential businesses have done. He also ruled that the injunction was in the public’s interest, allowing people the right to freely worship and the ability to restore economic viability.
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This is such good news....such good news!
I understand that under the Oregon Constitution, she can only do these things for 28 days, not the months that she has. This state has more restrictive laws than many other states.
The citizens are not stupid, we realize that she is an autocratic, self serving person. She thinks that there must be a cure or something before we can get free again. She last said that the state needs to go 14 days without a death before she lets up. The unemployed people here cannot even get their unemployment benefits....they literally have no money!
I noticed today that there are many more people out of their homes and are out-and-about doing their business.
Of course, persons who wish to stay at home are welcome to do so. Persons who are high risk must take care to avoid putting themselves in danger. I certainly will not be attending events with large gatherings, and I will avoid places that I think are risky.
Gov Brown is appealing to the Supreme Court of Oregon. I hope that the ruling will be upheld.
