KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) — A federal appeals court has ruled in favor of athletes at Western Michigan University.
They sued to be able to play sports without getting a COVID-19 vaccination, citing religious reasons.
RELATED: Athletes, worker challenge vaccine rules at Michigan schools
The appeals court declined to freeze a decision by a judge, who said the vaccine policy at WMU likely violates a constitutional right to follow a religion.
The appeals court says at least 16 athletes sought a vaccine exemption on religious grounds but were ignored or denied.
WMU can require them to wear a mask or be regularly tested for COVID-19, under an injunction from a judge in Grand Rapids.
In their lawsuit, the athletes say they are “devoted Christian people” who believe that the Bible and their faith preclude them from getting a COVID-19 shot.
