Conservative Activist and Pastors Sue Governor Abbott

The group that claims Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s stay-home order violates their constitutional rights is now also suing Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

A lawsuit filed yesterday accuses Abbott of imposing draconian, unconstitutional requirements on Texans during the coronavirus pandemic. 

“Churches and small businesses are shut down, and Texans’ right to move about freely is restricted. For all practical purposes, the governor’s executive orders constitute a ‘lockdown,’” the suit reads.

The plaintiffs include hardline conservative and anti-LGBT activist Steve Hotze and numerous pastors from Houston.

The same group previously filed suit against Hidalgo, claiming her Harris County stay-home order infringed on their first and second amendment rights. Hidalgo revised her order following Abbott’s issuance of a statewide stay-at-home order that listed worship services as essential.

The attorney for the plaintiffs told the Houston Chronicle that Abbott’s order didn’t go far enough in relaxing restrictions for places of worship.Abbott’s order allows in-person church services as long as the Centers for Disease Control’s social distancing and hand washing recommendations are followed, but he has said it is best for services to occur online whenever possible, Reform Austin previously reported.