TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – Two Kansas churches and their pastors have filed a federal lawsuit against Gov. Laura Kelly over an order banning religious gatherings with more than 10 people to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus.
The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for Kansas on Thursday argued that Kelly’s directive violates the churches’ and pastors’ religious, assembly and free-speech rights. The lawsuit comes comes after the Democratic governor thwarted an attempt by Republican legislative leaders to revoke her order.
The lawsuit was filed by First Baptist Church in Dodge City and Calvary Baptist Church in Junction City and their pastors.
