Court says California’s restrictions violate religious liberty.
The Supreme Court ruled late Friday prevented California from enforcing restrictions on in-person religious meetings in homes, including prayer groups and Bible studies.
It was the latest decision to block state governments from imposing certain coronavirus-pandemic-related restrictions on religious events. California had limited indoor gatherings to three households or fewer, with different rules for other places.
The unsigned opinion said, “California treats some comparable secular activities more favorably than at-home religious exercise, permitting hair salons, retail stores, personal care services, movie theaters, private suites at sporting events and concerts, and indoor restaurants to bring together more than three households at a time.”
The opinion chastised the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, saying the court failed to require California to say why it couldn’t safely allow in-home worshippers to be in larger groups by taking precautions used for non-religious activities.
“The State cannot assume the worst when people go to worship but assume the best when people go to work,” the opinion said. “This is the fifth time the Court has summarily rejected the Ninth Circuit’s analysis of California’s COVID restrictions on religious exercise.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for each Justice in the Supreme Court as they continue to rule on issues related to the exercise of religious freedoms.
- For the national and state leaders to seek ways to protect the Constitutional freedoms of All Americans.
Sources: Politico, SCOTUS blog
