LOUISVILLE, Ky. (LEX 18) — A federal judge ruled that Governor Andy Beshear's travel ban during the COVID-19 pandemic is unconstitutional. However, the judge had a different opinion about the ban of mass gatherings.
The judge's ruling happened after three people sued the governor. They claimed these restrictions are unconstitutional, after they were told to quarantine after attending an Easter church service in Bullitt County. They argued the mass gathering ban unfairly singles out religious gatherings.
However, U.S. District Judge William Bertelsman sided with the governor, saying the text of the order bans all mass gatherings.
When it comes to travel restrictions though, which was also challenged in the lawsuit, the judge said Beshear's ban on travel "does not pass constitutional muster."
Attorney General Daniel Cameron tweeted about the ruling, saying, "We'll continue to protect the fundamental rights of Kentuckians and push back against executive actions that infringe upon those rights."
During Monday's press conference, Governor Beshear said he was aware of the ruling and was willing to revise the travel restrictions.
