Vaccine Lawsuit Could Reshape Religious Freedom in Military

In the five months since announcing its COVID-19 vaccine mandate, the Navy has received more than 3,000 requests for religious exemptions. So far, officials have not approved a single one. Military leaders have said concerns about infection risk, national security and troop readiness justify rejecting even sincere appeals. But some servicemembers believe this approach amounts to religious discrimination. This fall, 35 members of the Navy sued over officials' handling of faith-based exemption requests. They're fighting for the right to sidestep COVID-19 shot requirements without facing career repercussions.