ACLU, NYCLU COMMENT ON SCOTUS DECISION IN RELIGIOUS CHALLENGE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS

WASHINGTON — In a 5-4 vote late last night, the Supreme Court barred restrictions on religious services in New York that were imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Below is comment from:

Daniel Mach, director of the ACLU Program of Freedom of Religion and Belief: “The freedom to worship is one of our most cherished fundamental rights, but it does not include a license to harm others or endanger public health.” 

Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union: “New York’s temporary restrictions on indoor gatherings do not discriminate against houses of worship, and, in fact, treat them better than comparable non-religious gatherings. The Supreme Court’s decision will unfortunately undermine New York’s efforts to curb the pandemic.”