Posted: Nov 26, 2020 7:26 pm
Nvm... Gorsuch is an idiot. And Kavanaugh starts to look half-reasonable the more Ι read his opinions.
The court ruled that Cuomo imposed unfair restrictions on houses of worship, lifting a ban that no longer applied to the plaintiffs anyway, by the time of the ruling. Key to the restrictions was the imposition of a limit on how many people may gather in one place.
Roberts dissented, siding with Bryer, Sotomayor, and Kagan. So of course, the deciding vote was the evil demon that replaced Ginsburg’s vanity.
Gorsuch took the time to write a separate opinion, and it’s a doozy. It starts on page 8 of the full court opinion here. Here’s a representative quote:
At the same time, the Governor has chosen to impose no capacity restrictions on certain businesses he considers “essential.” And it turns out the businesses the Governor con- siders essential include hardware stores, acupuncturists, and liquor stores. Bicycle repair shops, certain signage companies, accountants, lawyers, and insurance agents are all essential too. So, at least according to the Governor, it may be unsafe to go to church, but it is always fine to pick up another bottle of wine, shop for a new bike, or spend the afternoon exploring your distal points and meridians. Who knew public health would so perfectly align with secular convenience?
Refund please.
SCOTUS Blog article here.