Liberty Counsel has filed another temporary restraining order on behalf of 22 military plaintiffs in Navy SEAL 1 v. Austin who face immediate discipline, including those on Wednesday, March 23, after their religious accommodation requests were denied from the COVID shot mandate.
Liberty Counsel has already asked Judge Steven Merryday to certify the entire class of the military and provide relief from the unlawful shot mandates. Liberty Counsel is working with more than 900 service members and that number grows every day.
Judge Merryday previously granted a preliminary injunction for two service members who were denied religious exemptions from the COVID shot mandate. The court based its ruling on the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), finding that the Marines and the Navy failed to demonstrate “to the individualized person” two of RFRA’s essential requirements on government action that burdens a person’s sincere religious belief – a compelling interest and the least restrictive means. This conclusion alone will essentially undo the blanket requirement placed on service members to get the COVID shots when such action burdens their sincere religious beliefs. The court also granted the motion for the two plaintiffs to remain anonymous.
Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said, “The abuse and pressure being placed upon these military members is unconscionable and has continued too long. These brave service members give their lives to defend the Constitution, and sadly the freedom they fight to preserve was denied them. We need relief for these plaintiffs as well as the entire class. They should not have to choose between their Christian convictions and their service to our nation.”
