Supreme Court Upholds Connecticut’s Removal of Religious Exemption from Child Immunisation

The Supreme Court upheld a 2021 Connecticut law eliminating religious exemptions from childhood immunisation requirements for educational institutions. The decision affirms a lower court ruling that dismissed a lawsuit claiming the law violated religious freedom. Concerns over declining vaccination rates prompted the legislative change.

The Supreme Court on Monday upheld a Connecticut law, enacted in 2021, that removed religious exemptions from childhood immunisation requirements in schools, colleges, and day care facilities.

The justices declined to comment on their decision, effectively endorsing a federal appeals court ruling that supported the law. Opponents had argued the measure infringed upon religious freedoms.

Lawmakers initiated the change due to rising exemption requests and decreasing vaccination rates. While medical exemptions remain, religious exemptions are no longer valid for new students, although existing exemptions for current K-12 students are preserved.

Opposition group We the Patriots USA Inc. and several parents contended the law displayed animosity toward religious beliefs and compromised parental rights and medical freedom. However, their lawsuit was dismissed, and the Supreme Court's decision leaves the law intact.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)