The CDC says that to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Americans should avoid gathering in groups.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed an executive order, restricting public gatherings to no more than 5 people.
Westport resident Bruce Miller believes that violates his constitutional rights. So — while others with the same belief march in protest, or storm state capitols — he sued.
The lawsuit — filed in US District Court in New Haven earlier this month — says that Lamont exceeded federal guidelines, and exaggerated the pandemic’s risks.
While some state residents protested in Hartford, Westporter Bruce Miller took a different route. He sued the governor.
Miller — who is representing himself — said:
The rule is a violation of the Constitutional rights to freedom of assembly, association, privacy and the right to be secure in one’s home. CT state law gives the governor no power to issue such (an) order,
Now, when the curve has been bent, hospitalizations are down, and the virus has been shown to be far less deadly than believed when the executive orders were issued, there is now no further reason to suspend the Bill of Rights.
Attorney General William Tong replied:
Our state constitution and state laws grant the Governor broad authority to protect Connecticut residents and families in a public health emergency, and his executive orders have been very clearly constitutional and fully legally justified.
