The Supreme Court this week sided with religious groups in Colorado and New Jersey in two cases related to COVID restrictions.
In a 6-3 vote that fell along ideological lines, the Court backed a Colorado church that sought an exemption from a state policy limiting attendance at places of worship to 50 people.
“Today in Colorado it is perfectly legal for hundreds of shoppers to pack themselves cheek by jowl into a Lowes or other big box store or patronize any one of the thousands of retail establishments that are not subject to draconian numerical limits,” argues Barry Arrington, the attorney representing High Plains Harvest Church.
“But if 51 people were to meet to worship God in a small rural church in Ault, Colorado, they would do so at the risk of being fined and imprisoned.”
The Supreme Court’s three liberal justices dissented based on the fact that the state of Colorado has already lifted its attendance restrictions for churches. “There is no reason to think Colorado will reverse course,” wrote Justice Elena Kagan.
But as locals have noted, it’s very possible that Colorado’s Democratic governor will decide to impose new occupancy limits as COVID infections continue to climb.
“The state has in the past amended this thing willy nilly, and there is nothing to stop them from amending it tomorrow,” says Arrington, who added that High Plains is practicing social distancing during its services.
In a separate ruling, the Court voted unanimously in favor of a New Jersey reverend and rabbi who also sought exemption from strict occupancy rules.
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This week’s rulings are in line with a much larger decision reached in mid-November, when the Court voted 5-4 to block officials in New York from enforcing 10- and 25-person occupancy limits on churches.
In its majority opinion, the Court described New York’s restrictions on churches as a violation of religious freedom.
“Members of this Court are not public health experts, and we should respect the judgment of those with special expertise and responsibility in this area,” wrote the Court. “But even in a pandemic, the Constitution cannot be put away and forgotten. The restrictions at issue here, by effectively barring many from attending religious services, strike at the very heart of the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious liberty.”
Author’s Note: If I can sit at my neighborhood bar without wearing a face mask, there is no reason any church should have to limit capacity.
No surprise the socialist judges the anti-American Obama put on the Supreme Court ruled against The Constitution.
When will they be arrested fo treason?
I agree with your statement. If it is safe to get on a packed airplane, then it should be safe to sit in my church.
These people should be kicked off of the court for refusing to go by the constitution. We the people need to stand up to these idiot liberals, n let them know we pay their salaries. Impeach Biden n Harris for TREASON. She’s just as much in the China as the Biden. Never hear me call him anything but a liar, thief, n TREASON. (Harris the same). Stand up people for your rights, don’t let them intimidate you. Kick them out of office n no benefits. GOD BLESS AMERICA N GOD BLESS PRESIDENT TRUMP. YOU are our President, no matter what the thieves n liars say. The Supreme Court should stand up n quit being such cowards n do whats right. Glad I live in TEXAS.
Don’t forget that their support of planned parenthood and abortions make them murderers as well! And to sell poor little babies parts for money is inexcusable!
I concur with entirety of above sentiments!! Constitution has been ignored by demos & Rinos for 11 decades! Copies yet exist; 30 million vets are still armed; we will be dangerous to occupying invaders if the vote fakers invite our numerous enemies to “visit”!
Right on Mary, totally agree with you And we know the Dems are crooked, radical scum liars and cheats. Biden is a joke and the friends who voted for him are no longer close friends. They are haters never mind the right to an honest election. We are headed for disaster especially if they win the runoff in Ga.
They also side with voter fraud!
I’m suprised that Chief Justice Roberts sides with the originalists wow
I have a one-word suggestion: ZOOM!
I just cannot believe the supreme Court, they are the court of the land. But with this decision
they made on Trump case’s I have lose respect
for. Joe Bidien and that Kamala Harris are the
worse two individuals ever been elected to serve as Leaders of this great country. We have lose respect from leaders around the world. I cannot believe everything that President Trump work for day and night to make American great again we lose it all.
Kamala Harris said they intends to open the border open with her first 100 days in office.
Your racist orange hair is the pathetic liar. Did anyone in your family die from covid in which he said, was a hoax. All he can do now is cry about he won’t be President anymore and people continue to die every day. At least Biden hasn’t killed people on purpose and ignored they cry for help.