Supreme Court rejects California worship ban

Supreme Court rejects California worship ban

In a 6–3 opinion, the Supreme Court on Feb. 5 halted California’s prohibition of indoor worship in most of the state, previously the most extreme restriction in the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The justices declined to block the state’s ban on singing and chanting in indoor services.

In response to the court’s decision, California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration issued new guidelines for indoor worship Feb. 6 that permit 25% capacity in counties where COVID-19 transmission is designated as widespread or substantial and 50% capacity in counties considered moderate or minimal.

Religious liberty advocates praised the court’s ruling. Read more at tabonline.org/worship-ban.

Reprinted from Baptist Press (www.baptistpress.com), news service of the Southern Baptist Convention.