France’s government ordered to lift ban on religious gatherings during easing of Covid lockdown as it is claimed to be a fundamental right

France’s government ordered to lift ban on religious gatherings during easing of Covid lockdown as it is claimed to be a fundamental right

FRENCH courts ruled yesterday (Monday) that the government must lift the ban on meetings at places of worship, imposed as part of social distancing measures, within the next eight days.

After receiving complaints from several individuals and associations, the Council of State said that such a ban on freedom of worship caused “a damage that is serious and manifestly illegal.”

The latest government decree on measures to combat the coronavirus, even after France’s lockdown was eased from May 11, bans all gatherings in places of worship except funerals which are limited to 20 people.

But the Council of State ruled this ban was “disproportionate in nature.”

It remains to be seen what move the government will take to respect the decision while retaining a safe environment in churches, mosques and other places of worship.