Maryland Leaders Sue Hogan Over Stay-at-Home Orders, Criticizing Restrictions on Businesses and Churches

Strategic Insights -

Maryland lawmakers and religious leaders have taken a stand against Governor Larry Hogan's stay-at-home orders, arguing that they restrict businesses and churches unfairly. The lawsuit, filed by a coalition of Religious leaders, business owners, and state lawmakers, seeks to block Hogan's restrictions on certain businesses and religious gatherings, and to have the state consider less restrictive alternatives. The legal action is a reflection of the growing frustration with the economic and cultural shutdown intended to contain the pandemic.

Key Takeaways:

  • The lawsuit, filed in federal court, argues that Hogan's stay-at-home orders are unconstitutional and unfairly restrict businesses and churches.
  • Delegate Dan Cox, a Republican from Frederick and Carroll counties, claims that Hogan's advisers told him he could be arrested for attending and speaking at a rally protesting the stay-at-home orders.
  • The lawsuit cites the example of big box stores like Lowes and Walmart, which are allowed to remain open with hundreds of customers, while churches are restricted to online services or drive-in gatherings.
  • Adventure Park USA in Frederick County estimates it will lose $700,000 during the spring season if it cannot open in May and has already taken out a $150,000 loan to meet its tax obligations.
  • Hogan has stated that he will not consider lifting Maryland's stay-at-home measures until the state sees a consistent plateau or downward trend in hospitalizations.
  • Hospitalizations were down slightly for the third day in a row on Sunday, according to state data.
  • The lawsuit also challenges Hogan's decision to designate certain businesses as "essential" while restricting others, arguing that this is a form of preferential treatment.
  • The religious leaders involved in the lawsuit say their congregations do not have the equipment to broadcast worship services online or to host drive-in services, and that many of their members do not have the resources to watch online.

Statistics:

  • The state of Maryland reported 59 additional coronavirus deaths on Saturday and 30 on Sunday.
  • Hospitalizations were down slightly for the third day in a row on Sunday, according to state data.
  • Adventure Park USA estimates it will lose $700,000 during the spring season if it cannot open in May.
  • The park has already taken out a $150,000 loan to meet its tax obligations.

Sources:

  • Hogan, L., (2020). Interview on CNN's "State of the Union".
  • Cox, D., Miller, W., Parrott, N., & Grammar, R. (2020). Court filing in federal lawsuit against Governor Hogan.
  • "Maryland Reports 59 More Virus Deaths, 29,000 New Cases" by LA Times
  • "Maryland Governor Hogan Sees No End to Stay-at-Home Order Soon" by CNN