By Ben Dutka
October 29, 2021
While the Biden administration faces numerous issues, ranging from inflation to immigration, the pandemic continues to dominate much of the nation’s headlines.
The mandates have been controversial throughout the year, especially those that force employees to be vaccinated. Numerous lawsuits claim these rules are unconstitutional.
And one judge believes the Constitution wins out in regards to freedom of religion.
From the start of the mandates, thousands of employees around the country said it was a violation of their religious freedom. They should be able to opt out of the vaccination due to their beliefs.
However, the mandates had no allowance for that. And this is why we’re seeing so many lawsuits and general pushback.
One lawsuit regarding religious exemptions vs. the COVID-19 vaccines is still pending, and those who support the Constitution hope the judge rules appropriately.
In the meantime, though, it’s possible that federal employees – such as active and civilian military members – could still face punishment. Some might even lose their jobs, despite the lawsuit.
But they just got some good news: the government can’t punish them until the final ruling is in.
From Fox News:
A Washington, D.C., district court judge issued a minute order Thursday asking the Biden administration to agree that both civilian and active-duty military plaintiffs will not be terminated while they await a ruling after they sued the administration over religious exemptions to COVID-19 vaccines.
District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly said that no civilian employee plaintiff can be disciplined “while his or her request for a religious exemption is pending.”
This is a victory for those who place the law of the land above Biden’s mandate.
The judge didn’t stop there, either. Some active-duty military plaintiffs have already been fired for refusing the vaccination, and they’re appealing in court on grounds of religious freedom.
But Judge Kollar-Kotelly told the Biden administration that these plaintiffs “will not be disciplined or separated during the pendency of their appeals.”
A total of 20 plaintiffs sued the President and members of his team over the executive order that mandated vaccines for federal employees.
Their attorney, Michael Yoder, said in a statement:
The Biden administration has shown an unprecedented, cavalier attitude toward the rule of law and an utter ineptitude at basic constitutional contours.
Yoder added that this is a threat to “American liberty” and thankfully, the Constitution “protects and secures the right to remain free from religious persecution and coercion.”
Of course, those on the other side will claim the mandates are only for the public good.
According to them, if you’re against the vaccine, you’re against “science” and “you just want people to die.” However, the Constitution is clear when it comes to individual freedoms for citizens.
And if you can’t claim religious exemption due to a government edict, that sounds suspiciously like authoritarian rule.
This debate will likely continue to rage for a long time. There’s also no doubt that it has further divided the country.
But for the time being, those who are willing to battle for their rights can’t be punished further — and that’s a significant victory for many Americans.
Key Takeaways:
A Washington Judge hit the Biden administration with an injunction, halting the government’s ability to discipline or fire plaintiffs.
These plaintiffs are suing over Biden’s vaccine mandate, claiming it’s unconstitutional.
While the lawsuit and appeals are pending, the government can’t punish those claiming religious exemption.
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