Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Republican Party filed a federal lawsuit against Gov. J.B. Pritzker on June 15, alleging that his ban on gatherings of more than 10 people is selective enforcement. 

In recent weeks, the governor has selectively endorse and participated in large scale rallies and gatherings of thousands of individuals not practicing social distancing,” wrote the Illinois Republican Party in a news release. “Meanwhile, his COVID-19 executive orders ban Illinois Republicans, and other groups, from gathering in groups larger than 10 people.”

Pritzker issued the limitation on public gatherings May 29, a point of contention for some. Many, including the Illinois GOP, believe that Pritzker is violating their first amendment rights – partly because that limitation means the political party cannot gather to network, conduct trainings and socialize in person.

“Gov. Pritzker is ruling Illinois like an unaccountable king where only he gets to decide which violations of his executive order have his blessing," said Illinois GOP Chairman Tim Schneider. "The Illinois Republican Party will not sit idly by while the governor of Illinois applies one rule for himself and his political allies and another rule for everyone else. 

“We agree that peaceful protesters have just cause to exercise their First Amendment rights but they aren’t the only ones. The days of Gov. Pritzker picking winners and losers is coming to an end. The hypocrisy has to end. The violation of our First Amendment rights has to end.”

The group held its quadrennial convention virtually, and were unable to collaborate, network or conduct trainings in person.  They say that the opposition to Pritzker and Democratic control is barred from meeting for normal party functions. The group adds that Pritzker has pushed a different set of rules for himself and his own family before.

“When restrictions barred travel to vacation homes and the governor lectured Illinoisans daily about not crossing state borders, Pritzker’s family was traveling to and from their equestrian estates in Florida and Wisconsin," the news released noted. "And now, we see Pritzker continue to restrict funerals, weddings, festivals, youth sports - and political gatherings - at the same time he marches with thousands of protesters on a crowded street.” 

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The Illinois Republican Party, Schaumburg Township Republican Organization,  Northwest Side GOP Club and Will County Republican Central Committee are  represented by attorneys from the Liberty Justice Center,