The Supreme Court ruled by a 5-4 margin late Friday that California's coronavirus-related restrictions on gathering in private homes violated constitutional rights on the free exercise of religion, the latest ruling from the high court that prohibits authorities from enforcing limits on religious services. Read More
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Why The Supreme Court Struck Down California’s Limits On Private Worship (And Why It Is A Big Deal)
High Court Halts CA Coronavirus Rules Limiting Home Worship
In my state and region small gatherings in which two or more households mix has been identified as high risk for COVID-19 transmission. Why? People spend longer times together than they may in a grocery store or other public place. Since they know each other, they are apt to relax their vigilance and to not wear face masks, to not social distance, and to not take other precautionary measures. There will be peer pressure to ignore such precautions. They are also likely to share food. The latest research points to the transmission of COVID-19, not only through airborne particles but also saliva. In addition, they are likely to meet in poorly ventilated spaces. Why some churches and religious organizations may be celebrating this ruling as a victory for religious freedom as they see it, it actually may be a victory for COVID-19. Whether the First Amendment guarantees churches and religious organizations the freedom to do whatever they please without regard to the consequences to their own members or to the public at large is a matter of debate. Under the provisions of the US Constitution the state at the federal, state, and local level has a duty, obligation, and responsibility to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens and others resident in the country. As the dissenting minority in this ruling pointed out, the decision of the majority may be not be well-informed and may endanger the health, safety, and welfare of religious organizations and the general public.
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