Alamance County cite their First Amendment rights in decision to reopen the Ace Speedway. | Pixabay
Alamance County cite their First Amendment rights in decision to reopen the Ace Speedway. | Pixabay
As racing takes place at Ace Speedway in Alamance County, Gov. Roy Cooper is may be left with few options as county officials are citing First Amendment rights to peaceably assemble in opening the racetrack.
The flareup has been attributed to a lack of communication as county officials said they went to the Department of Health and Human Services and governor’s office but did not receive a reply, the Rhino Times reported on May 27.
Alamance County Attorney Clyde Albright referred to the First Amendment and noted exemptions in the governor’s executive order. Specifically, it highlighted language changed from “order” to “strongly urges,” the Rhino Times reported.
In summation, Albright pointed out the governor recognized he could only urge people engaging in First Amendment rights to practice social distancing and could not limit the number of people peaceably assembling, the Rhino Times reported.
United States District Judge James C. Dever III in a recent ruling regarding houses of worship stated, “There is no pandemic exception to the Constitution of the United States...,” the Rhino Times reported.
Cooper has stated he is considering all options on how to handle the situation, the Rhino Times reported.
Alerts Sign-up