BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Governor Patrick Morrisey has announced his support for a lawsuit filed against the West Virginia State Board of Education and the Raleigh County Board of Education, backing a Raleigh County mother seeking a religious exemption to mandatory school vaccinations.
The lawsuit, brought by Miranda Guzman, argues that her four-year-old daughter should be exempt from vaccination requirements due to religious beliefs.
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Guzman cites faith-based objections to the use of fetal cells in vaccine development.
She initially received an exemption under Governor Morrisey’s Executive Order enforcing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 2023, but the Raleigh County Board of Education later denied the exemption.
Governor Morrisey said his administration will continue to uphold the state’s religious freedom protections.
“As Governor, I will always defend the religious liberty of West Virginians, and I won’t allow unelected bureaucrats at the State Board of Education to stand in the way,” Morrisey stated.
“Religious liberty is already enshrined in West Virginia law – and we are going to enforce that law.”
Morrisey emphasized that state vaccine policy must be balanced with individual constitutional rights and called on school boards to honor religious exemptions as outlined in state law.
Dr. Arvin Singh, West Virginia Secretary of Health, also voiced support for the Governor’s stance.
“West Virginia leads the nation in vaccination rates, and we can lead again—this time by proving that protecting public health and respecting parental rights are not mutually exclusive,” Singh said.
“With Governor Morrisey’s leadership, we’re restoring trust, transparency, and truth in how we protect our children.”
