APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The owner of a city hair salon filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday, challenging Gov. Evers’ “Safer at Home” order.
Jessica Netzel, owner of Kingdom Kuts, named Gov. Evers, Appleton Police Chief Todd Thomas, and DHS Sec.-designee Andrea Palm.
The suit has not been served on any of the defendants, and none have filed a formal response. The Wisconsin Dept. of Justice did not immediately respond to FOX 11’s request for comment.
According to the website for the business, “Kingdom Kuts is a Christian based kids salon that focuses on giving quality haircuts and helping make special memories for the whole family.”
In the lawsuit, Netzel describes the salon as a “ministry,” adding “ Ms. Netzel sincerely believes that she is to share her faith with others through her work at Kingdom Kuts.”
Appleton Police visited the salon, and informed her of the details of the order, which currently prohibits hair salons from opening. A cease & desist order was delivered to her, with information the case was being referred to the District Attorney for possible charges, the suit states.
Appleton Police spokesperson Officer Meghan Cash confirmed to FOX 11 that the agency had received complaints about the salon, and officers did visit. No citations were issued.
No criminal charges have been filed, court records show.
The 14-page federal lawsuit argues the state’s order violates Netzel’s right to exercise religion, her freedom of assembly, her freedom of speech, and violates the equal protection clause.
Also, the suit claims the order’s provisions make it “virtually impossible, if not outright impossible, to gather the signatures necessary for a recall in the time allotted.”
The suit asks for restraining order to prevent the Safer at Home provisions from being enforced, and unspecified monetary damages.
The salon is located at 132 E. Wisconsin Avenue.
