Document Type
Brief
Publication Date
10-22-2020
Abstract
No. 1:20-cv-01284-GLS-DJS, Hon. Gary L. Sharpe
Yitzchok Lebovits v. Andrew M. Cuomo
From the Summary of Argument
Since ancient times, peoples around the world have symbolically vested the perceived wrongdoings of their community onto “scapegoats,” who are sacrificed in the hope that those wrongdoings will be expiated, and the hard times will pass. Too often, religious minorities have served as scapegoats in times of sickness, war, and fear— from Jews during the Black Death, to Jehovah’s Witnesses During WWII, to Muslims after 9/11. Latest in a long and troubling line of such incidents are the statements and policies of Governor Cuomo blaming Orthodox Jewish communities for the spread of COVID-19 and specifically targeting them for closures and restrictions, all despite a dearth of evidence.
Recommended Citation
Brief of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, Religious Freedom Institute's Islam and Religious Freedom Action Team, and Asma Uddin as Amicus Curiae in Support of Plaintiffs, Lebovits v. Cuomo, (No. 1:20-cv-01284-GLS-DJS) (N.D.N.Y. Oct. 22, 2020).
Comments
Amici have an interest in bringing to light unfortunate historical examples of government officials targeting religious minorities in times of turmoil or uncertainty, and highlighting the way that New York’s policy fits into that troubling pattern.