In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court sides with religious groups in dispute over Covid-19 restrictions in New York

The case is the latest pitting religious groups against city and state officials seeking to stop the spread of Covid-19 and highlights Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s impact on the Court. It comes as cases linked to Covid-19 increase across the country.

In the late-night ruling, Barrett sided with the Tories in the dispute, while Chief Justice John Roberts joined the three dissenting Liberal judges. The ruling highlights Barrett’s impact on the bench, mirroring the court’s shift to the right.

Last spring and summer, with Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg still alive, the court was divided 5-4 on similar cases, with Roberts and the Liberals in the majority siding against places of worship. Barrett was confirmed in October to take the seat of Ginsburg.

The disputed order, issued just before midnight the day before Thanksgiving, contained several separate opinions and controversial language.