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Federal judge appears skeptical of GOP arguments

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Illinois

A federal judge Monday indicated her skepticism that Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s limits on gatherings during the pandemic unfairly infringe on political parties’ rights.

U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis during the hour-long phone hearing largely directed her questions toward arguments made by Daniel Suhr, a senior associate attorney for the Liberty Justice Center, which represents the plaintiff Illinois Republican Party, Will County Republican Central Committee, Schaumburg Township Republican Organization and Northwest Side GOP Club.

They sued Pritzker earlier this month alleging his May 29 executive order, which explicitly lifted in-person restrictions for religious gatherings but not for political parties, violated their First and 14th Amendment rights. […]

Ellis agreed that one of the ways to prevent the spread of the virus is to limit the number of people gathering in one place at any time.

And imposing those limits, whether on religious services or political events, does not infringe on participants’ ability to exercise religion or exercise speech, she said.

“They just cannot do it in numbers larger than 50,” Ellis said.

Uh-oh.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jun 30, 20 @ 1:11 pm

Comments

Maybe they can have it during the “million” unmasked imbecile march… but in the street?

The Raunerites turned Trumpkins are arguably the saddest group of self absorbed individuals in politics.

To be real honest?

Are there even *50* people so… well, are there 50 people self identifying as these.. people?

It was better when it was “but Madigan”

Now they’re a bunch of hapless, hopeless, embarrassment to Abraham Lincoln in Illinois.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 30, 20 @ 1:22 pm
“They just cannot do it in numbers larger than 50.”

Bravo to Judge Ellis for exercising restraint and not ending that sentence with “ya dummies.”

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Tuesday, Jun 30, 20 @ 1:23 pm
Considering the 7th Circuit’s ruling that Pritzker’s caps on religious gatherings don’t violate the First Amendment, I think plaintiffs have an uphill battle here.

Comment by JoanP Tuesday, Jun 30, 20 @ 1:26 pm
Governor JB’do as I say, not as I do’ Pritzker, says no groups more than 50. And I mean it. I think.

Comment by Blue Dog Dem Tuesday, Jun 30, 20 @ 1:28 pm
=== Governor JB’do as I say, not as I do’ Pritzker, says no groups more than 50. And I mean it. I think.===

Narrator: Judge Ellis isn’t Governor Pritzker.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Jun 30, 20 @ 1:30 pm
Suddenly Republicans love the 14th Amendment? LOL

Comment by Nick Name Tuesday, Jun 30, 20 @ 1:32 pm
“They just cannot do it in numbers larger than 50.”

The collection plates aren’t as full as when there are larger crowds. /s

Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Jun 30, 20 @ 1:37 pm
If I was a donor to this party, I’d be quite upset that money is being wasted on this futile effort instead of on the upcoming election. Does anyone really think that their party convention is actually going to help the outcome of any race in the fall?

Comment by NIU Grad Tuesday, Jun 30, 20 @ 1:43 pm
Remember when I said good luck with Judge Ellis on this? Yeah.

https://capitolfax.com/2020/06/17/ilgop-lawsuit-political-parties-are-for-political-expression-what-churches-are-for-religious-expression/#comment-13270671

Comment by Anon E Moose Tuesday, Jun 30, 20 @ 1:47 pm
Protesting decisions, which increasingly look more rational, to stop the spread of a deadly virus, is a bizarre political platform.

Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Jun 30, 20 @ 1:52 pm
Basic tenets of all first amendment case law boils down to “time, manner, and place” restrictions, and being content neutral. That’s what is happening here.

Comment by ConLaw Tuesday, Jun 30, 20 @ 3:19 pm