California has once again made its way to newspaper headlines for another example of government overreach. This time, the state is banning singing and chanting in houses of worship, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Almost all religions have some form of singing or chanting involved in faith-based rituals or prayers. Chanting and singing are often part of religious practice, whether it is performed in a group or in solitude. The freedom to worship is protected by the First Amendment in the U.S. Constitution. As such, any actions, such as chanting and singing during worship, must also protected. Unfortunately, the state of California does not seem to understand that.
According to the state of California, singing and chanting may contribute to the spread of COVID-19 through droplets in the air.
There are numerous actions that could, in theory, lead to the spread of an airborne disease. The question is: how far would the state go to control lawful actions of law-abiding Americans, using COVID-19 as a reason?
The ban on singing and changing is yet another infringement on people’s right to gather at a place of worship and pray freely.