A judge in Raleigh County has issued a permanent injunction that requires the West Virginia Board of Education to allow religious exemptions from compulsory vaccine requirements. The ruling directs the board to comply with the Equal Protection for Religion Act of 2023, permitting children who have obtained a religious exemption through the West Virginia Department of Health to attend school.
Governor Patrick Morrisey responded to the decision, stating, “Today’s ruling is a win for every family forced from school over their faith. 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 governor noted that forty-five states already provide clear religious or philosophical exemptions to vaccine mandates. He also called on lawmakers to further protect these rights: “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 said.
