Navy Servicemembers Seeking COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Religious Exemptions Handed Favorable Ruling

A federal judge in Texas granted 35 Navy service members’ court motion challenging the Pentagon’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate with religious exemptions Monday.

Mike Berry, who is representing the Navy SEALs on behalf of First Liberty Institute, told the Daily Caller News Foundation that the ruling is a win for religious freedom.

“We are very grateful for this ruling in favor of our clients,” Berry said. “No longer can the Navy force service members to choose between their faith and serving their country.”

He added: “If religious freedom means anything, it must mean that those who are sworn to protect our freedoms should not be forced to lose those very same freedoms.”