West Virginia Judge Upholds Religious Exemptions to School Vaccine Mandate
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A West Virginia judge has ruled in favor of allowing religious exemptions to the state’s school vaccine mandate, certifying a class action lawsuit representing families who have sought or may seek such exemptions. Kanawha County Circuit Judge david Froble’s decision, made last month, impacts 570 families currently utilizing religious exemptions and extends to future applicants.
The ruling centers on the interpretation of state law regarding religious exemptions for required vaccinations before school attendance. West Virginia law mandates children receive vaccines for chickenpox, hepatitis B, measles, meningitis, mumps, diphtheria, polio, rubella, tetanus and whooping cough. Though, the judge’s decision preserves the right for families to seek exemptions based on religious grounds.
Froble determined the number of exemptions granted thus far represents a small fraction of the overall student population and “would not meaningfully reduce vaccination rates or increase health risks.” he certified the case as a class action, ensuring consistent legal standing for families navigating the exemption process.
the decision arrives as debates surrounding vaccine mandates continue nationwide. At least 30 states have religious freedom laws,often modeled after the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993,which allows challenges to federal regulations interfering with religious beliefs.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.