Kansas Supreme Court says executive order banning religious service of more than 10 people stands

[Judi Lynn]

Source: KMBC News (ABC)

Updated: 9:32 PM CDT Apr 11, 2020

TOPEKA, Kan. —
The Kansas Supreme Court said late Saturday night that Gov. Laura Kelly’s executive order banning religious services of more than 10 attendees during the coronavirus pandemic will remain in effect.

The Democratic governor filed the lawsuit Thursday after a Republican-dominated legislative panel overturned her order. Kelly sued and immediately appealed to the Kansas Supreme Court to make a quick decision with Easter Sunday services hours away.

The court held unprecedented electronic oral arguments Saturday morning, and after listening to arguments, it said the Legislative Coordinating Council lacked the authority to overturn the governor's executive order.

"The Court ruled swiftly and narrowly, relying on the plain language of House Concurrent Resolution No. 5025,” the court said in a release.

Read more: https://www.kmbc.com/article/kansas-supreme-court-says-executive-order-banning-religious-service-of-more-than-10-people-stands-governor-laura-kelly-covid-19-coronavirus/32114710#

[Lulu KC]

1. Hooray!

Thank you, Governor Kelly, and thank you, Supreme Court!

Interesting that they say they moved swiftly and narrowly, when it was oh, seven hours? Word crafting. Takes time.

Woo hoo!

[iluvtennis]

2. Woohoo!

[Warpy]

3. Well, off to the USSC they'll go

and we all know how the Five Twits will rule. The only time they recognize our right to assemble and our right to conscience is when Jebus is at stake. And certainly they'll be against any breach of the wall between church and state that has church at a disadvantage.

I'm also expecting most palatial megachurches to be open for business.

[Retrograde]

6. The Catholic USSC judges

just might want to listen to the bishops, cardinals, and pope who have been cancelling services due to the dangers of contagion. Or not, since they're political.

[degage]

7. I don't think the USSC has jurisdiction.

This case is a matter about state law and legislation in a state that pertains only to that state. I do not see any federal issue nor any Constitutional issue at hand. The GOP lawmakers didn't make the case about the 1st Amendment, it was about the Governor's powers vs. the a legislative committee's powers. The KS State Supreme Court is the court of last resort for this issue. The GOP lawmakers have no basis for requesting a SCOTUS review.

[Lulu KC]

13. +1 n/t

[TomSlick]

16. Concur. A matter of state law.

[MarcA]

14. The Unelected and Job for Life USSC. n/t

[niyad]

4. Very good.

[Initech]

5. Thank god!!!!

[SKKY]

8. I'm honestly surprised by this...

...Pleasantly so, but surprised nonetheless.

[Crabby Appleton]

9. US DISTRICT Judge Justin Walker has overturned Kansas

Last edited Sun Apr 12, 2020, 01:32 PM - Edit history (1)

To allow church service to proceed,

This post was about Kentucky notKansas - sorry Crabby

[KY_EnviroGuy]

10. This shitshow will not be entertaining to watch. People will still die.

It's a victory for humanity for the court to rule for Kansas' Governor but some will still do as they please. Some people are highly selective as to when they support justice and community rules.

Snip from The Topeka Capital-Journal:

Pastor Aaron Harris, of Calvary Baptist Church in Junction City, said the high court’s decision doesn’t “validate the governor’s order,” which carries the full force of law.

“The legislative council may not have had legal authority to revoke it, but it is still unconstitutional,” Harris said. “We’ll be having services tomorrow. I hope and pray that our local LE will respect the constitution.”

Link: https://www.cjonline.com/news/20200411/kansas-coronavirus-update-supreme-court-sides-with-gov-laura-kelly-in-fight-over-church-crowds

We can bet there are churches somewhere in every state conducting the same irresponsible behavior.

These people have left their brains and common sense (and money) at the altar........

[bluestarone]

12. COURT decisions mean NOTHING to RETHUGS anymore!

In the end there may be only ONE answer to these type people! (don't ask what, i leave that to your mind)

[ArizonaLib]

18. Yes, they chose which leader to follow

When it is a Republican governor they cite that governor as the highest state law enforcement authority - if the governor is Democratic, and the AG is Republican, they cite the AG as the highest law enforcement authority.

It is not about right vs wrong for them, it is solely about their power and what they want for themselves. Selfishness and religious hypocrisy.

[MarcA]

15. Allow gatherings if participants agree to stay 6 feet apart, wear masks,

submit to testing and maybe tracing and can provide real time proof of same.

[Sienna86]

11. Sad that the lure of the collection plate overrides church goer's health

Maybe I’m cynical. Why else would you put people at risk?

[kyburbonkid]

19. OMG! Someone has a brain cell in KS.

If only Wisconson didn't have swiss cheese brains in their courts.

[keithbvadu2]

20. They have to be out in public

KJV Matthew 6:5-6

5“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you [c]openly.