COVID-19 News: Churches, small business sue Walz in federal court over shutdown orders

A group of several churches and small businesses is challenging Governor Tim Walz’s shutdown orders in federal court, arguing they violate the First, Fifth and 14th amendments to the U-S Constitution.

Attorney Doug Seaton with the Upper Midwest Law Center says the governor has shut down religious services, even though churches can meet C-D-C safety guidelines. Seaton says, “He’s done that even though there are big-box stores and plenty of other large venues that continue to operate, which can’t do any better than the churches can do in meeting these guidelines.”

The lawsuit also alleges Walz selected economic winners and losers by shutting down some businesses while allowing others to remain open. A similar lawsuit on behalf of small businesses is pending in *state* court.