“The Supreme Court’s order misuses religious freedom and endangers the public health of everyone in New York," said Americans United CEO Rachel Laser. "With coronavirus cases spiking across the country, we should be heeding the advice of public health experts who recommend limiting large gatherings. COVID-19 doesn’t discriminate between religious and secular gatherings; on numerous occasions, infections at houses of worship have led to major outbreaks in surrounding communities."

“Gov. Cuomo’s order does not violate religious freedom; it ensures religious freedom is not misused to endanger people’s lives,” AU President and CEO Rachel Laser said. “As Thanksgiving and many religious holidays approach, we sympathize with the families and faith communities yearning to come together to celebrate, worship and find solace at the end of a challenging year. But religious freedom should not be wielded as a sword that results in harm to the community."