As previously reported, a Maine federal district court rejected claims by health care employees that Maine violated their free exercise rights when it eliminated religious exemptions from its COVID vaccine mandate for health care workers. The 1st Circuit refused to issue an injunction pending appeal, and plaintiffs sought similar relief from the U.S. Supreme Court through a filing with Justice Breyer. Yesterday in John Does 1-2 v. Mills, Justice Breyer issued an Order reading:
The application is denied without prejudice to applicants filing a new application after the Court of Appeals issues a decision on the merits of the appeal, or if the Court of Appeals does not issue a decision by October 29, 2021.
AP reports on developments.
