The Justice Department is urging states and localities to apply the same rules to George Floyd protests as they would to people opposing coronavirus lockdowns and those wanting to hold religious gatherings. The DOJ intervened in several state and local matters this week, advocating the same protections under the First Amendment be applied to all matters of political protest and religious services. “During a crisis it is important for people of faith to be able to exercise their religion,” Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Eric Dreiband wrote. In April, Attorney General William Barr announced an initiative directing officials to review coronavirus restrictions to ensure that civil liberties are not being violated. Meanwhile, President Trump last month threatened to “override” governors who refused to allow places of worship to open.

Source: Fox News June 12, 2020 17:26 UTC