Supreme Court upholds church restrictions

In a 5–4 ruling May 29, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld California’s restrictions on church services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some organizations and individuals have said restrictions on in-person worship services for any reason are a violation of the First Amendment — especially in light of the fact that grocery stores, liquor stores and other establishments have been allowed to stay open in many locations throughout the crisis.

The Supreme Court’s recent decision supported California’s restriction limiting churches to 25% of their regular capacity, or a maximum of 100 attendees.

Chief Justice John Roberts cast the pivotal vote in the case, noting churches are social in nature unlike “grocery stores, banks and laundromats.”
(AP/The Conversation)