AG Paxton Warns County Judges and Local Officials on Unlawful COVID-19 Orders

May 12, 2020

Over the past few weeks, we have seen example after example of local government run amok.

A few local officials have distorted Governor Abbott’s common sense guidance on the coronavirus. As a result, they have ignored the Constitutional and God-given rights of Texans.

Judges, mayors, and county officials have attempted to impose restrictions that not only go beyond the governor’s orders, but do real harm to the freedoms we all enjoy.

Harris County’s mask ordinance, the jailing of Dallas salon owner Shelly Luther, and the arrest of Laredo beauticians Ana Isabel Castro-Garcia and Brenda Stephanie Mata are just high-profile examples of what Texans across the state have faced due to bureaucratic overreach.

My office will not tolerate local public health … continue reading

Release Shelley Luther Immediately!

May 6, 2020

Today I sent a letter to Dallas County Judge Eric V. Moyé expressing the shared outrage of millions of Texans at his decision to jail Shelley Luther, owner of Salon a la Mode in Dallas, for opening her business in order to provide for her family and employees.

Judge Moyé’s actions are a clear example of abuse of his judicial authority. Dallas County has been releasing hardened criminals over concerns of spreading coronavirus in their jails. The idea that this judge would then turn around and lock up a hard-working citizen for opening her business is appalling.

Shelley Luther does not need to be in jail. She needs to be with her children. It’s time to end the political stunts and abuses of … continue reading

Protecting The Right To Freely Worship Is Our Duty

April 22, 2020

Nothing is more important than respecting and protecting the God-given rights of every Texan. COVID-19 is not an excuse for government to trample on those rights. In fact, it is an opportunity for Texans to show the world that freedom is not just our birthright, it is the right way.

Fundamental to being a Texan and an American is the idea that we can govern ourselves effectively. It is in that spirit that Governor Abbott and I have released updated guidance for houses of worship during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other states have taken a heavy-handed and, in some cases, discriminatory approach to restricting religious freedom during the outbreak. As Texans, we believe church leaders and congregations should be empowered to … continue reading