The Biden administration and Department of Defense were just dealt a crushing blow by the legal system.
The Pentagon is in the midst of a purge for all service members who have refused to take the jab.
That is now put on hold, however, at least as far as the Navy SEALs are concerned.
Not So Fast
Almost three dozen Navy SEALs have applied for a religious exemption for the vaccine.
To this point, not a single religious exemption has been granted to any service members.
That absolutely played a role in how this case fell.
US District Judge Reed O’Connor, a Bush appointee, specifically cited the fact that no religious exemptions have been awarded to this point.
O’Connor wrote, “The Navy service members in this case seek to vindicate the very freedoms they have sacrificed so much to protect.
“The COVID-19 pandemic provides the government no license to abrogate those freedoms.
“There is no COVID-19 exception to the First Amendment.
“There is no military exclusion from our Constitution.”
The lawsuit, which resulted in a preliminary injunction that will stop any punishment, at least temporarily, being handed down to the SEALs, was filed by the First Liberty Institute on behalf of the service members.
Mike Berry, the institute’s general counsel, stated, “Forcing a service member to choose between their faith and serving their country is abhorrent to the Constitution and America’s values.”
He continued, “Punishing SEALs for simply asking for a religious accommodation is purely vindictive and punitive.
“We’re pleased that the court has acted to protect our brave warriors before more damage is done to our national security.”
This policy is just flat-out dangerous, especially when considering how devastating a blow this could deal to our special forces units.
Hopefully, this is not just a temporary halt. I would actually like to see it extended to all service members.
Do you think it is right that the Pentagon is declining EVERY religious exemption application?
Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
Source: New York Post
