“The constitutional guarantee of religious freedom protects the right to practice the faith of one’s choice,” said Alex J. Luchenitser, associate legal director for Americans United. “It also protects others from being harmed in the name of this precious freedom. Gov. Beshear’s order respects both public health and religious freedom.”

“As we’ve already seen in Kentucky and across the country, COVID-19 doesn’t discriminate between religious and secular gatherings – it spreads easily at both, putting the health of entire communities at risk,” said Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United. “Gov. Beshear’s public health order does not violate religious freedom; it ensures religious freedom is not misused to risk people’s lives."