Ohio County businesses, parents file lawsuit against Gov. Justice over COVID-19 restrictions
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WHEELING — Two parents and five Ohio County businesses have filed a federal lawsuit against Gov. Jim Justice over what they see as the governor’s “never-ending executive orders mandating restriction of constitutionally protected activities.”
Read the lawsuit against Gov. Jim Justice here
The businesses involved in the lawsuit are Eden Family Restaurant, Fulton Fun Factory, Hinebaugh Athletics, The Rejuvenation Center and Noah’s Ark Childcare and Learning Center. They are joined by two parents — one that is the mother of eight children attending Ohio County’s public schools, the other a mother of two public school students.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Wheeling by attorney Paul Harris, alleges that the governor’s executive orders harmed the businesses by ordering them closed at times during the past six months. Also, the parents are concerned that their children, through the utilization of an in-person/remote structure, are not receiving an adequate education.
The lawsuit seeks a preliminary injunction against the governor for his executive orders, arguing they have illegally impacted the ability for the five businesses to operate and stay financially viable. The governor also is accused of violating the plaintiffs’ due process and equal protection rights along with the First Amendment right of assembly.