Press Statement
For Immediate Release: 6.18.20
Contact: Lacey McNiel, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
Statement from First Liberty Institute on the Confirmation of Judge Justin Walker to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
Washington, DC—Kelly Shackelford, President, CEO, and Chief Counsel for First Liberty Institute today issued the following statement on the confirmation of Judge Justin Walker to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia:
“Judge Walker’s record reflects a deep respect for and commitment to the Constitution and religious liberty. His proven dedication to upholding the freedoms that protect Americans provides us with confidence that he will be an excellent judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. We are thrilled for Judge Walker, his family, and our country.”
In the first major victory for religious freedom against discriminatory stay-at-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic, Judge Walker ruled that under the First Amendment the City of Louisville, Kentucky could not prohibit churches from holding CDC-compliant drive-in services. His ruling, issued the day before Easter, came after First Liberty Institute filed a lawsuit against Louisville Greg Fischer after he banned churches from holding CDC-compliant drive-in religious services in response to the pandemic. The mayor’s order singled out places of worship for less favorable treatment when compared with similar types of activities. The following day, Judge Walker entered a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) that enjoined Fischer and the City of Louisville from enforcing its order.
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About First Liberty Institute
First Liberty Institute is the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.
To arrange an interview, contact Lacey McNiel at media@firstliberty.org or by calling 972-941-4453.
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