Group of Guthrie Citizens File Federal Lawsuit Against The City

A group of Guthrie citizens have filed a lawsuit against the City of Guthrie. The lawsuit challenges the “Shelter in Place" order set to expire on May 5.

The Oklahoma City attorney who filed the federal lawsuit said some local governments have rushed to enact laws that they think will protect people.

He said although public safety is paramount, the Constitution must still be honored.

Attorney Frank Urbanic filed this lawsuit Thursday morning on behalf of 10 Guthrie citizens.

“My clients' fundamental rights are being violated daily and hourly,” Urbanic said.

In the lawsuit, it is stated that the City of Guthrie’s “Shelter in Place” ordinance violates not only Oklahoma law but the Constitution.

“We have multiple violations of the First Amendment like freedom of religion and freedom of assembly,” said Urbanic.

In the lawsuit, Urbanic said they also have two causes of action under the commerce clause. One that talks about forcing residents to find and wear masks in the city.

“It is forcing them to get into commerce,” said Urbanic. “It would be a different story if the City of Guthrie was giving the people the masks.”

Another topic hit on was forcing businesses to close.

“Just because there is a pandemic, it doesn’t give governments a blank check to write any law they want,” said Urbanic. “This is America and we are smart enough to figure this out. There are ways of achieving these goals that are far less intrusive.”

News 9 reached out the City of Guthrie for a statement on the matter but have not heard back. There is supposed to be special meeting on Monday to discuss the ordinance.

Urbanic said that this case is set to be heard by a federal judge on Monday.