ADL has joined with Americans United for Separation of Church and State and other organizations in three amicus curiae (friend of the court) briefs filed in the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. These briefs defend against challenges by religious organizations to restrictions imposed by the Governors of Colorado and New Mexico designed to protect people from COVID-19.

Governors in these states have imposed the same kind of limitations on the number of people who can attend similarly situated secular and religious gatherings. While the limitations have had an impact on churches, synagogues, temples, mosques and other places where indoor, in-person religious gatherings are held, ADL and the other organizations that have signed on to the amicus briefs maintain they are fully consistent with the Free Exercise Clause, and actually violate the Establishment Clause.

In addition to the briefs filed in the 10th Circuit, ADL has joined in similar briefs filed in the First, Second, Fourth, Fifth, Seventh and Ninth Circuits.