Supreme Court of the United States

South Bay United Pentecostal Church v. Gavin Newsom

May 29, 2020140 S. Ct. 1613

Summary

The Supreme Court denied South Bay United Pentecostal Church’s request for a temporary injunction against California’s COVID‑19 occupancy limits on worship services. The majority held that the restrictions are consistent with the Free Exercise Clause and that the plaintiffs have not demonstrated a clear right or compelling justification to merit injunctive relief. The Court emphasized deference to state officials in managing public‑health emergencies.