The Chilean Supreme Court unanimously ruled that COVID-19 restrictions have been applied in a discriminatory manner against believers.

The landmark ruling from last Thursday recognizes that freedom of religion cannot simply be suspended. The Court is expected to order the government to change its regulations within days.

Tomás Henríquez, a Chilean lawyer for ADF International said people of faith now have the assurance that their right to exercise their faith freely will be protected.

“The Court has clarified that the freedom to worship in person is a fundamental right, worthy of the highest protection, and cannot simply be withheld. The church has so much to offer society at a time of grief and suffering, and the Chilean people should not be denied access to church services. We are encouraged that this is a unanimous decision of the Supreme Court, which will help protect this fundamental right in Chile for years to come,” he said.