Justice Gorsuch Rejects Broad Challenge to Colorado COVID-19 Restrictions

Acting alone, Justice Gorsuch refused to rule on an emergency petition challenging Colorado’s disaster emergency statute, meaning the statute remains in place. In Denver Bible Church v. Polis two churches argued before the Supreme Court that the Colorado Disaster Emergency Act (CDEA) violates the First Amendment. The CDEA allows the Colorado Governor to declare a disaster emergency and issue executive orders to combat natural and man-made disasters. It contains exemptions related to noninterference with labor disputes, news or comment on public affairs, and the work of police, firefighters,...