Letter to the editor: Wolf violated First Amendment, Civil Rights Act

The First Amendment states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” The 14th Amendment includes state governments.

The Supreme Court of the United States has held that the civil right to peaceful public assembly can only be limited when there is a specifically applicable statute.

The governor’s blanket order to shut down businesses in the entire state that are not reasonably threatened by covid-19 has caused severe economic harm.

Section 1983 of Title 42 of the U.S. Code, Civil Rights Act of 1871 provides: “Every person who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of any State or Territory or the District of Columbia, subjects, or causes to be subjected, any citizen of the United States or other person within the jurisdiction thereof to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution and laws, shall be liable to the party injured in an action at law … .”

Gov. Tom Wolf should call his lawyer.

Dr. Bill Choby

Unity