The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit recently sided with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, affirming the dismissal by a lower court of free-exercise claims against him. The case stemmed from the prohibition of in-person learning during the surge of COVID-19 transmission in the winter of 2020.
A group comprising of churches, private religious schools, affiliated pastors, and parents sued Governor Beshear in his individual capacity. The plaintiffs argued that his measures, specifically the ban on in-person education, violated their free-exercise rights.
However, the court ruled that Governor Beshear had qualified immunity and was consequently shielded from liability. This decision upheld the original ruling, reiterating the legitimacy of the governor’s actions amidst the pandemic.
For more detailed information, read the full report on this decision at Law.com.