Republican Judge Rules Democrat Pandemic Shutdown Unconstitutional
Even as the early response to the COVID-19 pandemic around the country had states turning to complete shutdowns of daily life, one state is being told its governor's orders to lock down were illegal.
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf's administration has said it will appeal the Federal Judge's ruling that pandemic restrictions that required people to stay at home, placed limits on gatherings and ordered "non-life-sustaining" businesses to shut down until the Democrat eased restrictions zone-by-zone are unconstitutional.
The Associated Press reports U.S. District Judge William Stickman IV ruled in favor of plaintiffs that included several Republican office-holders, hair salons, a vendor at a farmers' market, horse trainer and drive-in movie theaters. Stickman is an appointee of Republican President Donald Trump.
Past court challenges of Governor Wolf's orders have been decided firmly in the Democrat's favor.
AP says a spokesperson for the Wolf Administration indicated a delayed enforcement of the ruling would be sought as an appeal is made.