CNA Staff, Dec 9, 2020 / 13:00 pm
California churches scored another victory in their cases against state coronavirus restrictions on Tuesday.
The South Bay United Pentecostal Church in Chula Vista is now one step closer to winning its push for unrestricted indoor worship during the pandemic, after having challenged the state's COVID-related ban on indoor worship in certain geographical areas.
Following instructions by the Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit on Tuesday vacated a district court ruling against South Bay. The decision came in light of recent Supreme Court rulings favorable to churches that have challenged state COVID restrictions that disproportionately limit religious freedom.
On Nov. 25, the Supreme Court granted relief to the Brooklyn Diocese in its case against New York's restrictions on indoor worship in virus "red zones." On Dec. 3, the court heard the appeal of other California churches against the state's targeted ban on indoor worship.