WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court lifted part of a Texas judge's order Friday and ruled 6-3 that the U.S. military may refuse to deploy Navy SEALS or other troops who have refused to be vaccinated for COVID-19, citing their religious beliefs.
Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel A. Alito and Neil M. Gorsuch dissented.
The decision is a victory for the Biden administration and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who last year required all service personnel to be vaccinated. In November, the Pentagon said 99.4% of the troops were vaccinated.
