New York, June 27 (RHC)-- A U.S. federal judge has blocked New York state from enforcing coronavirus restrictions limiting indoor religious gatherings to 25 percent capacity when other types of gatherings are limited to 50 percent.

Judge Gary Sharpe said the plaintiffs' religious activities "will be burdened and continue to be treated less favourably than comparable secular activities."  He also lifted restrictions limiting the number of people who can attend outdoor religious gatherings, noting both Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio had expressed approval for protests against racism and police brutality last month while continuing to support curbs on religious gatherings.

Christopher Ferrara, an attorney for the plaintiffs, called the unequal restrictions "an irrational targeting of houses of worship."