Charleston, W.Va. - Governor Patrick Morrisey applauded a Raleigh County judge’s decision to issue a permanent injunction today in favor of granting religious exemptions from compulsory vaccine requirements.
“Today’s ruling is a win for every family forced from school over their faith,” said Governor Morrisey. “I will always take a stand for religious liberty and for the children of this state. I applaud the court for upholding West Virginia’s Equal Protection for Religion Act.”
The decision mandates that the West Virginia Board of Education abide by the Equal Protection for Religious Protection Act of 2023, and allow children who have received a religious exemption through the West Virginia Department of Health to attend school. Forty-five states already have a clear religious or philosophical exemption for vaccines.
“Now is the time for the legislature to act. I am calling on every lawmaker to step forward and solidify this freedom for every West Virginian,” Morrisey concluded.
The case against the West Virginia State Board of Education and the Raleigh County Board of Education was certified as a class action suit covering nearly every student who was granted religious exemptions under Governor Morrisey’s Executive Order.