In reality though protests are hardly like any other outdoor gathering. Thousands of people are crowded together for hours and shouting (which projects saliva). Anyone can clearly see it is a hotspot for coronavirus transmission. Authorities are allowing (peaceful) protest though because of free speech rights. The same freedoms are not extended to arguably lower risk religious gatherings.

Santa Clara county, which has had daily protests, just allowed outdoor-only religious gatherings of 25 people or less last week. They also opened indoor shopping malls in the same order. They’re clearly not treating religious expression like the fundamental constitutional right that it is. It is easy to find similar examples all over the state. When the coronavirus situation stabilizes, the lawyers are going to have a field day.