Americans oppose religious exemptions from coronavirus-related restrictions

A new Pew Research Center survey finds that U.S. adults overwhelmingly say houses of worship should be required to follow the same rules about social distancing and large gatherings as other organizations or businesses in their local area. About eight-in-ten Americans (79%) take this position, four times the share who think houses of worship should be allowed more flexibility than other kinds of establishments when it comes to rules about social distancing (19%). The survey also asked Americans who typically attend religious services whether they are currently going in person or watching online, and how they think their own congregation should be operating, among other questions.

• Black and Hispanic worshippers more concerned about safety of in-person religious services
• Republicans more open to in-person worship, but most oppose religious exemptions from COVID restrictions