Cuomo threatens to ‘close the synagogues,’ churches

Cuomo threatens to ‘close the synagogues,’ churches Oct 9, 2020 14:10:12 GMT

Post by Admin on Oct 9, 2020 14:10:12 GMT

Cuomo threatens to ‘close the synagogues,’ churches if COVID-19 measures not followed

'We know religious institutions have been a problem,’ the New York governor said.

NEW YORK, October 6, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – In a press conference on Monday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a threat to Orthodox Jews as well as to the wider religious community when he warned that he would take measures to close down synagogues and places of worship for violations of COVID-19 restrictions.

“I have to say to the Orthodox community tomorrow, ‘If you’re not willing to live with these rules, then I’m going to close the synagogues,’” Cuomo declared. Earlier in the news conference, he said, “We know religious institutions have been a problem.”

Cuomo issued two conditions that would have to be met or closure would be enforced. They have to agree that they are going to follow the rules and they have to agree that they are going to be a full partner in the enforcement of the rules,” he said.

The governor also stated that unless religious communities agreed to follow his rules regarding the wearing of masks and physical distancing, they would be forcibly shut down. “If you do not agree to enforce the rules, then we’ll close the institutions down,” he said. “I am prepared to do that.”

The statements challenge the autonomy of churches as well as the free exercise of religious worship, as protected in the First Amendment. Despite an apparent constitutional breach, Cuomo mentioned that he would not hesitate to close any place of worship should it be in violation of the measures in place to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. “We have to close a temple because it’s over 50 percent? I’ll do it,” he said. “We have to close a Roman Catholic church? I’ll do it. I had to close the St. Patrick’s Day parade. I did it.”

Challenged as to whether he had the authority to enforce the closure of religious institutions, Cuomo replied, “We believe we have the legal authority. We will assert the legal authority. We have been sued by the religious organizations. Our legal authority was upheld. I don’t like getting into a litigious situation with the religious community. I have enough questions that I have to answer when I get to the Pearly Gates. I don’t want to also be questioned as to why I was sued by the Catholic church or the Jewish community for closing temples. So I have enough issues on my plate. But yes, we believe we have the legal authority.”

The comment comes in tandem with the formation of a task force that would ensure schools and religious institutions comply with the governor’s directives.

Members of this task force could possibly be stationed outside churches in order to ensure they did not exceed the maximum limit of people allowed inside. Cuomo used an example to paint a picture of a draconian future: “You’re going to be stationed in front of St. Peter’s Church. The capacity is 150. You stand at the front door. When they go over 75, you close the door and call me. And if you have any problem, the state police officer is down the block and he’ll come help you.”

Cuomo threatens to ‘close the synagogues,’ churches Oct 9, 2020 17:51:24 GMT

Post by Admin on Oct 9, 2020 17:51:24 GMT

The state persecution continues...

Gov. Cuomo: ‘I Don’t Care’ About Your Religion — ‘You Have to Follow the Rules of the State’

Breitbart | 9 Oct 2020

Friday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) responded to religious groups filing separate federal lawsuits against him over his new restrictions limiting attendance at religious gatherings amid a spike in cases in some New York City neighborhoods.

Cuomo told “CNN Newsroom” acknowledged that it is a “complicated” situation because of different cultural aspects, but said that everyone has to “follow the rules,” no matter their religion.

“They are not following the rules. We know what happens when you don’t follow the rules: the infection rate goes up,” Cuomo advised. “And it just proves our point from the get-go. We know how to control the virus, but you have to control the virus. You have to be disciplined. And when you don’t follow the rules, it goes up. And that’s what’s happening in these very small clusters. Now, these are religious groups, it tends to get more complicated, frankly, because of some cultural aspects. But that’s what we’re seeing in New York.”

“The cluster is a predominantly ultra-orthodox cluster,” he continued. “The Catholic schools are closed because they happen to be in that cluster, but the issue is with that ultra-orthodox community. This is not a matter of religious freedom, right? I don’t care if you’re a Roman Catholic, you’re Jewish, you’re Muslim, you’re an atheist, you have to follow the rules of the state, the laws of the state. And I understand the beliefs of the ultra-orthodox, I’ve been very close to them all my life. I’m a big supporter of theirs, but they have to follow the rules, Jim, because we’re seeing the truth. And the truth is if you don’t follow the rules, the infection rate spreads, people get sick, and then you make others sick. You know, we’re talking about Brooklyn. We’re not talking about a hermetically sealed community in a rural area. This is in the middle of Brooklyn. They will make other people sick.”