A directive banning singing and chanting at religious services was issued by the California State’s Department of Public Health on Wednesday

The order which cites the dangers posed by the coronavirus has been condemned as blatantly discriminatory and grossly unconstitutional. Some are even deeming it illegal.

Meanwhile protests in the State continue to draw thousands

RT reports: The new mandate, issued earlier this week, “strongly” recommends that all religious gatherings be conducted remotely, but offers additional rules for those who insist on worshiping in person – including the controversial ban on singing, a common practice across a number of faiths.

“Activities such as singing and chanting negate the risk reduction achieved through six feet of physical distancing,” the new guidelines say.

“Places of worship must therefore discontinue singing and chanting activities and limit indoor attendance to 25 percent of building capacity or a maximum of 100 attendees, whichever is lower.“

The rule, which also applies to those wearing face coverings, uses stricter language than a prior guideline, stating that worshipers “must” adhere to the ban, as opposed to the “strongly suggest” wording in place previously. The move has prompted intense backlash, including from US Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), with many arguing the mandate is a clear violation of the US Constitution.