CULPEPER, Va. 鈥 Two Republican state senators in Virginia are representing a gym owner who is suing the state鈥檚 governor for closing down his gyms amid the coronavirus pandemic.
State Sen. Bill Stanley and Ryan McDougle filed a lawsuit Tuesday in Culpeper County on behalf Merrill C. 鈥淪andy鈥 Hall, who owns several Gold鈥檚 Gym facilities across Virginia.
The lawsuit argues Gov. Ralph Northam exceeded his authority when ordering the closure of nonessential businesses, including fitness centers, on March 23.
The governor鈥檚 spokeswoman says he will continue to base his decisions in science, public health, and the safety of all Virginians.
Nonessential businesses are slated to be closed in Virginia until early May.
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