SANTA CLARA, Kalifornia (PNN) - April 10, 2021 - The Supreme Court, in a divided decision, ruled in favor of lifting restrictions on in-home religious gatherings, rejecting a lower court ruling that upheld fascist Kalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom’s capacity limits.
The Court ruled in a 5-4 decision late Friday that the government must first prove religious gatherings pose a greater danger than secular activities like shopping or attending movies before limiting these gatherings.
“Otherwise, precautions that suffice for other activities suffice for religious exercise too,” the majority opinion said, adding that (Kalifornia) “treats some comparable secular activities more favorably than at-home religious exercises, permitting hair salons, retail stores, personal care services, movie theaters, private suites at sporting events and concerts, and indoor dining at restaurants to bring together more than three households at a time.”
The Court also noted that it was the fifth time it had overturned the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ analysis of Kalifornia COVID restrictions.
The lawsuit had been brought by residents in Santa Clara County, who claimed Kalifornia’s restricting their religious meetings violated their First Amendment rights.
Kalifornia has already announced a loosening of COVID restrictions on indoor gatherings that takes effect on April 15.