KENTUCKY — The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky has ruled in favor of Attorney General Daniel Cameron (R) and Danville Christian Academy, allowing in-person instruction at religious schools to resume immediately.

Cameron argued that the recent executive order by Gov. Andy Beshear (D) violated the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The court agreed with Cameron that religious schools following social distancing and hygiene guidelines should be allowed to remain open.

The preliminary injunction prohibits enforcement of the Governor’s order and allows in-person instruction at religious schools to resume immediately.

“On the day before Thanksgiving, I am incredibly thankful for the timeless and enduring protections enshrined in the U.S. Constitution," Cameron said.

Cameron's lawsuit was supported by more than one dozen religious schools and over 1,000 Kentucky parents.

"Our country was built on the idea of religious freedom and will always be a place of refuge for those of faith.  This pandemic reminds us now, more than ever, of the importance of faith and the reassurance and stability it provides for many in the midst of challenging times," Cameron said.

Beshear has already filed an appeal to the decision, as well as an emergency stay of the judge's order. Crystal Staley, Beshear's communications director, issued the governor's statement shortly after the ruling was released.

“We are disappointed but not surprised that Judge Van Tatenhove — for the second time — has refused to acknowledge the U.S. Supreme Court decision that found an action like this is both legal and constitutional. We have already appealed to the Sixth Circuit and will request an emergency stay of the judge’s order, and, if necessary, will appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court."

"Let’s be clear: lives are on the line and everyone must do their part to defeat the virus.”