We have an important update!

On Monday, a federal judge heard arguments for a preliminary injunction that would keep the vaccine mandate from going into effect on October 1. A lawsuit was filed in late August by Liberty Counsel within the U.S. District Court of Maine and was expedited by Judge Jon D. Levy who is overseeing the litigation process.

We are expecting the judge to announce his ruling within the week, possibly within the next couple of days.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of over 2,000 healthcare workers against Maine Governor Janet Mills, officials of the Department of Health and Human Services, Maine Center for Disease Control, as well as five of the largest hospitals within the state regarding the recent COVID-19 vaccine mandate issued by Governor Mills for healthcare workers.

According to Life News, the state of Maine has been ignoring federal law by trying to remove religious exemptions, as well as accommodations for healthcare workers who are unable to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. There have also been many cases found in which a healthcare worker’s job was terminated because of their refusal to receive the vaccine due to a religious objection or request for alternative accommodations.

This lawsuit is a step in the right direction for American citizens who are still unsure about receiving the vaccine. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, as well as the First Amendment, protects American citizens, regardless of state residency, from discriminatory policies such as vaccines that go against one’s religious beliefs.

Simply put, section 8-2.211 of the Justice Manual used by the Department of Justice states: 

“Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000e to 2000e-17, forbids employment practices that discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin by employers, labor organizations, employment agencies, state and local governments, governmental agencies, political subdivisions, and the federal government. In addition to discriminatory terminations and refusals to hire, Title VII forbids all other discriminatory practices with respect to terms or conditions of employment as well as retaliation for engaging in activities protected by Title VII.”

This case is important in establishing what exactly government overreach is in the private affairs (and, in this case, beliefs) of its private citizens. The lawsuit is also a crucial stepping-stone for the continued protection of religious freedom and rights in Maine, while also fighting to make sure that termination of employment due to a religious objection to a vaccine does not happen.

The citizens of Maine have the right to make the personal, private decision on whether they receive the COVID-19 vaccine or not.

We will update you on this case as it develops.

Please join us in praying for the wisdom of Judge Levy as he rules on this case.

Together in Christ,

Mike McClellan
Policy Director
Christian Civic League of Maine