Dear John,

CHD filed a lawsuit today to reverse the religious exemption ban in New York State. 

Here's what you need to know:

• We are asking for a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction to allow religious exemptions in New York.

• Our lawsuit details how New York continues to violate parents’ religious beliefs by requiring them to vaccinate their children to attend school.

• Our complaint argues that New York’s 2019 repeal law violates parents’ First Amendment rights to free speech and Fourteenth Amendment rights to equal protection.

Why challenge New York’s ban on religious exemptions today?

Because just one week ago, the U.S. Supreme Court vacated a previous Second Circuit Court of Appeals decision denying religious exemptions in New York. We believe that ruling likely affirms the argument that New York’s rejection of religious exemptions is unconstitutional.

We have been fighting this fight since the fateful day in June 2019 when the State repealed the religious exemption and threw 26,000 children out of school. And we have never stopped.

Lawsuits like these are the result of strategic thinking, keen vigilance, and a laser focus on CHD’s mission to protect children. But they’re also a reminder that our work is far from over.

I urge you to stay connected to CHD in the waning days of 2025 and in the year ahead. 

More lawsuits to restore common sense and health freedom are coming.

This is our time — and we’re taking full advantage of the opportunity. But we can only succeed with your help. 

If you are able to, please make your gift today.

With gratitude,

Mary