Judge Rules NY State Must Allow Religious Exemptions For Vaccine Mandate

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UTICA (WENY) – A federal judge ruled Tuesday New York State must allow religious exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for state health care workers.

Previously, Judge David Hurd issued a temporary restraining order after more than a dozen health care professionals filed a lawsuit, saying that their rights would be violated if the mandate did not permit exemptions on religious grounds.

This ruling means the state must allow religious exemptions for the vaccine mandate.

Previously, Governor Kathy Hochul said she believed the injunction would not be upheld in court. As of Tuesday morning, she has not commented on Judge Hurd’s ruling.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.