Judge Blocks COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Navy

A judge blocked the U.S. military’s COVID-19 vaccine for all Navy members seeking religious exemptions. 

Indeed, the preliminary injunction that previously covered 35 Navy SEALs now covers around 4,000 others, the Epoch Times reports. 

U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor agreed to expand it because all members who applied for religious exemptions “have all been harmed in essentially the same way.” 

“Each is subject to the Navy’s COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Each has submitted her religious accommodation request, and none has received accommodation. Without relief, each servicemember faces the threat of discharge and the consequences that accompany it. Even though their personal circumstances may factually differ in small ways, the threat is the same – get the jab or lose your job,” he said in a 27-page order. 

As of March 23, 3,320 Navy members have requested a religious exemption, along with 864 reserve members. 630 Navy members have been removed for refusing the vaccine.