American cinemas sued the New Jersey governor: prohibiting cinemas from reopening is illegal

As the epidemic rebounded in the United States, governments including New Jersey and California ordered cinemas to remain closed for at least three weeks. Now, according to foreign media reports, AMC, Regal, Cinemark and other large American cinema chains have taken New Jersey Governor Philip Murphy and others to court, arguing that New Jersey’s failure to allow cinemas to reopen and not specify a reopening time is illegal.

The lawsuit was led by the National Association of Theater Owners. The complaint filed with the New Jersey District Court stated: "The defendants' differential treatment violates the U.S. Constitution and laws. They allow certain public institutions to open, but require movie theaters to remain closed." The COVID-19 pandemic has caused serious harm to public health. The plaintiffs support the government to take fair and reasonable measures. However, New Jersey's requirement for movie theaters to be completely closed while allowing other specific institutions to open is unreasonable and unfair, and is suspected of violating the plaintiffs' First Amendment rights.

The lawsuit states that New Jersey has entered the second phase of the reopening plan, and retail stores and indoor shopping malls can be opened, as can churches and other religious venues, but the government has not made a plan for when the third phase will begin or when cinemas can reopen. It also states that from a public health perspective, comparing cinemas with religious and ceremonial venues such as churches, even if the former is not safer, the risks of the two are similar. The lawsuit states that the plaintiff and the defendant's agents have contacted each other, and the plaintiff has informed the other party of the detailed reopening safety rules and is willing to implement them, and has made relevant preparations.

The complaint also seeks an injunction requiring the state of New Jersey to treat movie theaters the same as other similar businesses and a proclamation declaring that Murphy's actions deprive the company of reasonable compensation.