Senator Michael Testa Jr. today called on the Murphy administration to uphold the rights of State residents during the coronavirus crisis.

“The state’s efforts to protect the people from the coronavirus should not be taken as a license to suppress the liberties of the citizens,” said Testa (R-1). “There is a thin line between good public policy and heavy-handed government control. The priorities of public health and the preservation of civil rights must be secured in tandem.”

Testa called this week’s announcement by the Attorney General that law enforcement officers would strictly enforce Murphy’s executive orders a dangerous precedent.

“This nation was built on freedom and liberty,” said Testa. “Enforcement of our laws and State orders must be managed on a case by case basis.”

This week, Testa called on Murphy to preserve constitutional rights and add gun stores to the list of retail businesses allowed to remain open during the state of emergency.