Moore County DA governor's order unconstitutional

Moore County District Attorney Maureen Krueger Friday sent out a memorandum to all Moore County law enforcement agencies regarding the right to religious worship.

“The Governor’s Executive Order criminalizing religious worship does not pass this constitutional test,” said Krueger. “When secular activities are given greater deference and freedom than religious activities, such law is unconstitutional.”

Krueger concluded at the end of the memo that if people are charged, she will do what is required of her by the N.C. Constitution.

The memorandum is named Prosecution of Criminal Charges for Violations of the Governor’s Order. The memo discusses the North Carolina Constitution and what the constitution has to say about the right to worship. She expresses concern that people “are in genuine fear that they may face criminal charges for exercising their right to religious worship.”

Her memo follows an earlier statement by Sheriff Fields addressing the right to worship, and that he will not interfere with any worship service in the county.

Krueger writes that the NC Constitution is unequivocal when it states “All persons have a natural and inalienable right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences, and no human authority shall, in any case whatever, control or interfere with the rights of conscience.” (N.C. Constitution, Article I, Section 13).

Krueger ends by stating, “The Governor’s Executive Order criminalizing religious worship does not pass this constitutional test. When secular activities are given greater deference and freedom than religious activities, such law is unconstitutional.  Therefore, it is my opinion that the arrest or charge of a person for violating the Governor’s order as it relates to religious worship is unconstitutional. In the event charges are brought, I can and will do what I believe my oath and the Constitution requires.”

The memo in its entirety can be read by clicking here.

Courtesy photo of Moore County District Attorney Maureen Krueger.

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