The US Supreme Court has temporarily barred covid-19 restrictions on places of worship in New York areas rocked by the virus after challenges by Jewish and Christian groups.
Justices ruled by 5-4 against caps on attendance to religious gatherings imposed by state Governor Andrew Cuomo in designated “red” and “orange” areas.
Agudath Israel of America and the Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn had launched lawsuits arguing that Mr Cuomo’s restrictions violated the First Amendment, which protects the freedom of speech, religion and the press.
Lawyers acting for Mr Cuomo said the measures helped reduce the spread of the virus and that restrictions affecting the religious groups had already been eased.
