Judge permits unvaccinated Marine and sailor to continue serving

Published February 22, 2022 10:40pm ET



A federal judge has ruled in favor of a Marine and a sailor who refused the coronavirus vaccine over their religious convictions.

U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday ruled Friday that the service branches “have failed manifestly” to meet the requirements of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which mandates that they approve religious exemptions unless there’s compelling government interest and no less restrictive alternative available.

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