The Department of Justice recently lambasted California for its double standards when it comes to lockdown restrictions enforced by Gov. Gavin Newsom and local authorities amid the protests taking place across the state after George Floyd’s death. In an amicus brief filed in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, the DOJ argued on behalf of two Californians who wanted to hold protests at the California Capitol Building in April but were denied a permit citing COVID-19 restrictions, then sued Newsom alleging his order violated their First Amendment rights to assemble.

Now, in light of the protests following the death of Floyd, the DOJ is pointing out the obvious double standard, arguing California really shouldn’t treat them differently since protests filled the streets in Los Angeles. It’s good to see this legal double standard reach a court of law so quickly. There are people whose rights have been blatantly violated because the government didn’t like their protest, while others have been free to protest as they wish without consequence.