Challengers to Kentucky Covid Church Closures Keep Fee Award

Three Kentucky churchgoers will be allowed to keep an award of nearly $275,000 in attorneys’ fees for their win in challenging the state’s pandemic-era closures, the Sixth Circuit decided Monday.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) issued an order during the pandemic limiting mass gatherings, including churches, and interstate travel. Violating either order would be a criminal misdemeanor. Three members of Maryville Baptist Church sued him and other state officials, arguing the order violated their right to free exercise under the First Amendment.

The district court agreed with them, blocking enforcement of the order and later awarding them $272,142 in attorneys’ ...