The Supreme Court on Friday denied an appeal by a Nevada church to allow additional worshipers to join capacity-based in-person services amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Nevada has placed a 50-person limit on all places of worship, regardless of building capacity, as part of state coronavirus restrictions.
But casinos, along with other businesses like restaurants and movie theaters, can allow up to 50 percent capacity, allowing casinos to grant access to hundreds of customers at once.
Judges Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas and Brett Kavanaugh issued dissenting opinions rejecting the constitutionality of the decision.
“This is a simple case. According to the governor’s edict, a 10-screen ‘multiplex’ can hold 500 viewers at any time, ”Judge Neil Gorsuch wrote Friday.
“In Nevada, apparently, it is better to be in entertainment than in religion. Perhaps that is nothing new. But the First Amendment prohibits such obvious discrimination against the exercise of religion, “he added.
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