CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Governor Patrick Morrisey praised Raleigh County Judge Michael Froble’s decision today to issue a permanent injunction in favor of granting religious exemptions from compulsory vaccine requirements.
“Today’s ruling is a win for every family forced from school over their faith,” said Governor Morrisey.
“I will always take a stand for religious liberty and for the children of this state. I applaud the court for upholding West Virginia’s Equal Protection for Religion Act.”
The ruling requires the West Virginia Board of Education to follow the Equal Protection for Religious Protection Act of 2023 and allow children who have received a religious exemption through the West Virginia Department of Health to attend school.
Forty-five states already have clear religious or philosophical exemptions for vaccines.
“Now is the time for the legislature to act. I am calling on every lawmaker to step forward and solidify this freedom for every West Virginian,” Morrisey added.
The case, filed against the West Virginia State Board of Education and the Raleigh County Board of Education, was certified as a class-action suit covering nearly every student who was granted religious exemptions under Governor Morrisey’s Executive Order.
In response to the ruling, the West Virginia Board of Education issued a statement:
“In light of the November 26, 2025, circuit court ruling in Raleigh County, the West Virginia Board of Education hereby suspends the policy on compulsory vaccination requirements as outlined in W. Va. Code 16-3-4, pending further proceedings on the issue before the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.”
