Southern California church and its pastor have filed an emergency appeal in the Supreme Court over the impact of the coronavirus lockdown on Americans’ religious practices. After facing rejection from a federal appeals court panel, lawyers for the South Bay United Pentecostal Church appealed to justices to hear this matter.
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals stated its decision on the day President Donald Trump offered his support to Churches seeking freedom to continue their religious practices. Trump even asked governors to declare religious services at court mandatory even during the lockdown period.
And his rhetoric intensified the situation as many churches pledged to hold service on Pentecost without caring for the imposed lockdown. The case reached the high court on Sunday and the jury members split on this subject with a score, 2-1.
Out of these, the majority supports the validity of coronavirus lockdown after keeping in mind the health dangers posed by this contagious disease. The jury believes that it is not feasible to open churches right now as it would deteriorate the situation to a great extent.
However, Daniel Collins, the judge appointed by Trump spoke against the other two judges and he called it an attack on the religious freedom of citizens. He said that when court orders allow other workplaces to operate then it is also possible to allow religious gatherings on the condition of following the social distancing standards.
At many places in the US, religious groups are now hiring appeal lawyers to fulfill their demands of religious practices amidst the coronavirus lockdown. In many parts of the US, courts are operating via video-conferencing to hear petitions via online mediums.
Sharad Narang
Sharad is one among the oldest contributors of BO Herald with a particularly unique perspective with regards to Politics events. He aims to empower the readers with delivery of apt factual analysis of Politics news pieces from India.
