The Court ruled in a 5-4 decision late Friday that the government must first prove religious gatherings pose a greater danger than secular activities like shopping or attending movies before limiting these gatherings.

"Otherwise, precautions that suffice for other activities suffice for religious exercise too," the majority opinion said, adding that California "treats some comparable secular activities more favorably than at-home religious exercise, permitting hair salons, retail stores, personal care services, movie theaters, private suites at sporting events and concerts and indoor dining at restaurants to bring together more than three households at a time."