Tipsheet

Senators Have Message for Kentucky Governor Who Pledged to Record Churchgoers' License Plates

Easter Sunday is one of the most important days of the year for Christians around the globe. Yet the holiday will look much different this year during the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of celebrating with fellow worshipers, most Christians will be celebrating Jesus's resurrection from their living rooms. Including Vice President Mike Pence. The CDC wants it that way, having issued guidelines that Americans avoid gatherings of more than ten people.

However, some churches are defying those guidelines on Sunday and holding Easter services as previously planned. Louisiana Pastor Tony Spell, for instance, was charged with half a dozen misdemeanors last week for defying government orders and proceeding with his in-person church services.

It's making officials justifiably nervous because COVID-19 is extremely contagious. But, did Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear go a step too far when he announced that authorities would be writing down the license plate numbers of anyone they see attending church this Lord's Day? 

"For those who decide to participate in a mass gathering of any type of which the state is notified of, the license plates of those individuals will be recorded and given to health department officials," News Channel 5 Nashville reported. "They will then visit the individuals home bringing with them an order to quarantine for 14 days."

Conservative critics Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Rand Paul (R-KY) thought Beshear was overstepping his authority.

Beshear did not, however, completely oppose drive-through church services. Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron encouraged religious Kentuckians to use the method for their Sunday worship, arguing that they should have that right as long as drive-through services are still available for liquor stores, restaurants and other businesses.

"As long as religious groups and worshippers are complying with current Centers for Disease Control recommendations for social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19, we see no problem with these drive-in services," Cameron said. “Religious organizations should not be treated any differently than other entities that are simultaneously conducting drive-through organizations, while also abiding by social distancing policies."

Judge Justin Walker, who was recently nominated to the D.C. Circuit Court, issued a restraining order on Saturday allowing for drive-through church service in Louisville. Kentucky Republicans Mitch McConnell and Sen. Paul approved.

No matter how or where you're celebrating this Sunday, a very Happy Easter to you all!