The Constitution is not a suicide pact, and religion may be regulated in neutrally-applicable ways even during normal times.

Originally posted as a response to a meme in "politics": imgflip.com/i/3xg4dy#com4454183

The First Amendment describes what Congress can or cannot do with respect to religion and peaceful assembly. But you're talking about states (and, let's not forget, local governments: cities, counties, etc.), which are the units of our government that have imposed these quarantines. Not Congress. That's the first error in your meme.

Further, courts interpreting the First Amendment have consistently held that religion may permissibly be regulated as long as those regulations are neutrally applicable to other activities. Public safety is one of those categories of things.

Example: You can't kill someone in the name of your religion. You can't **pe someone in the name of your religion. And religious buildings generally have to comply with the same building codes everyone else does. Just a few things that come to mind.

Applying those principles here: If other businesses and organizations are being made to social distance in the interests of public safety, then churches have to, as well.

Finally, other options exist for people to peaceably assemble at this time: church-goers can convene to practice religion remotely, via phone or the internet. Many do this routinely during normal times, and they can do so now.

Complex constitutional issues involved here, but that's a start.