In 2021, a group of Navy SEALs took a stand against the COVID-19 vaccine mandates imposed by the Biden administration, refusing to comply on the grounds of personal and religious beliefs. Now, three years later, they have achieved a significant legal victory as the U.S. Navy has agreed to clear their records.
On July 26, The Epoch Times reported that a federal court settlement reached on July 24 mandates the Navy to review and expunge the records of SEALs who refused the COVID-19 vaccine due to their religious convictions. This includes those who faced disciplinary action or were dismissed from service. Under the settlement, these SEALs are now eligible for reenlistment.
According to the report, the review process must be completed within a year. Danielle Runyan from the First Liberty Institute, which represented the SEALs, praised the settlement as a win for the service members who stood by their principles. Runyan stated:
“We are thrilled that those members of the Navy who were guided by their conscience and steadfast in their faith will not be penalized in their Navy careers.”
The Navy declined to comment on the settlement.
The Biden administration’s push for widespread COVID-19 vaccination faced significant resistance, particularly among healthcare workers and military personnel. Critics argued that the vaccines were mandated without conclusive evidence of their efficacy and highlighted studies linking the vaccines to serious health issues. The federal government and mainstream media were accused of suppressing information about the potential risks and inefficacy of the vaccines while profiting from their distribution.
One particularly concerning side effect of the mRNA vaccines, such as those developed by Pfizer and Moderna, is myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart. Reports from within the Navy indicated a troubling rise in myocarditis cases among pilots following the vaccine mandate.
Additionally, efforts to maximize profits from the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines included attempts to discredit other COVID-19 vaccines developed abroad. Last week, Reuters revealed that the Pentagon admitted to running a covert campaign to undermine confidence in China’s Sinovac vaccine. Pentagon officials confessed to creating at least 300 fake social media accounts to discredit the Chinese vaccine, a campaign that was later halted in 2021.
This legal victory for the Navy SEALs underscores the ongoing debate over vaccine mandates and the broader implications for personal and religious freedoms in the face of public health policies.
