The legal battle over religious exemptions to vaccine mandates in New York has reached a critical juncture, as several families challenge the state's policies in federal court. On December 15, 2025, a group of plaintiffs, represented by the Children's Health Defense and several individual families, filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York against Dr. James V. McDonald, Commissioner of Health of the State of New York.
The case centers on whether New York's refusal to allow religious exemptions from childhood vaccine mandates violates constitutional rights. The plaintiffs argue that this policy substantially interferes with their ability to raise their children according to their sincere religious beliefs. They contend that the state’s absolute ban on religious accommodations fails to meet the strict scrutiny standard set by the Supreme Court in Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025), which requires that any law infringing on religious practices must be the least restrictive means to achieve a compelling state interest.
Historically, New York allowed religious exemptions for vaccines until 2019 when it repealed them amidst a national push led by pharmaceutical companies and NGOs to increase vaccine uptake. This repeal left thousands of children barred from attending school unless vaccinated, forcing many families into difficult situations. Some moved out of state or endured long commutes to attend schools where their beliefs were respected.
The plaintiffs include Jane Doe and her daughter Sarah Doe, who suffered severe health issues after being forced to receive multiple vaccines; Gina Goe and her son Raphael Goe, who was expelled despite medical exemptions due to his complex health conditions; Rebecca Roe and her daughter Betsy Roe, facing imminent expulsion after an arbitrary revocation of her medical exemption; and Bonnie Boe with her children Brandon and Amy Boe, expelled for adhering to their faith-based decision against vaccination.
The plaintiffs are seeking immediate relief from ongoing harm caused by these policies. They argue that each day without resolution constitutes irreparable injury due to lost educational opportunities and psychological distress inflicted upon their children. They request that the court grant injunctive relief allowing their children access to education without compromising their religious convictions.
Representing these families is Gibson Law Firm PLLC. The case is assigned Case No.: 25-cv-6877 before Judge Gary R. Brown in relation with another pending case involving similar issues.
Source: 225cv06877_Childrens_Health_Defense_v_Dr_James_V_McDonald_Complaint_Eastern_District_New_York.pdf