California Gov. Gavin Newsom has come under intense fire after issuing a lockdown for the entire state. Newsom continues to argue that his shelter-in-place order is justified due to coronavirus. As time passes, the California governor continues to come under fire as state residents tire of their rights being trampled upon.
Last week, the Department of Justice wrote a letter to Newsom, letting him know that forcibly keeping places of worship closed is a violation of First Amendment rights. Following this, the California governor backed down from the forcible closure of churches, issuing reopening guidelines for these places of worship, reports Breitbart News.
Reviewing California’s Reopening Guidelines for Churches
Places of worship that choose to resume services in the Golden State will have to adhere to various rules. These rules entail operating at no more than 25% capacity or 100 individuals. The ultimate determining factor between the two is determined on a case-by-case basis by whether 25% capacity or 100 individuals is smaller for places of worship.
Additionally, churches in California are urged to steer clear of collection plates, rugs of prayer, and worship books. Individuals who choose to go to in-person church services are also advised to cover their faces with masks and avoid physical contact with other worshippers.
NEW: Counties can now begin re-opening houses of worship and in-store shopping for retail.
CA has continued to flatten the curve because folks are staying home, practicing physical distancing, and taking this seriously.
Let’s keep it up.
LEARN MORE: https://t.co/KgYLbjTh3t
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) May 25, 2020
Despite reopening churches, the state of California has done all they can to discourage people from attending in-person services. The Golden State maintains that attending services in real-time increases the likelihood of coronavirus transmission and infection.
Likewise, large gatherings for funerals, holidays, and weddings are strongly discouraged. Religious worshippers in California are also being urged to reduce the amount of time they physically spend inside places of worship.
What do you think about the return of in-person services in the state of California? Don’t hold back in the comments section below!
