Religious Exemption for Preschool Advice - Page 2

[Iucounu]

Originally Posted by blessedwithboys

Well, this whole discussion could be shut down by pointing out that most states (mine included) use the word "religion" to mean sincerely held belief.

My religion does not prohibit vaccination. By I sincerely believe that they are harmful to my children. Therefore, I have submitted a religious exemption, as have many of my church friends. And we have done so with a clear conscience before God.

EDIT: I misread your comment, I think. What state are you in? Is that literally true, that anyone with a sincerely held belief holds a religious belief? That's truly amazing, and I'd like to see the evidence.

[Pirogi]

Originally Posted by Iucounu

As the news article notes, though, the problem of abuse of the religious exemptions is increasing rapidly.

For those who at their core do not believe that religious exemptions should be allowed, or that a person could actually have a religious belief that excludes vaccination, it could be considered "abuse." For the rest of us, it could be considered availing ourselves of the right to religious freedom. Just because the number of people who are claiming religious exemption exceeds some weird quota that you have in your head, doesn't make it any less valid.

[Pirogi]

Originally Posted by Iucounu

EDIT: I misread your comment, I think. What state are you in? Is that literally true, that anyone with a sincerely held belief holds a religious belief? That's truly amazing, and I'd like to see the evidence.

Evidence:
29 C.F.R. 1605.1

In most cases whether or not a practice or belief is religious is not at issue. However, in those cases in which the issue does exist, the Commission will define religious practices to include moral or ethical beliefs as to what is right and wrong which are sincerely held with the strength of traditional religious views.
...
The fact that no religious group espouses such beliefs or the fact that the religious group to which the individual professes to belong may not accept such belief will not determine whether the belief is a religious belief of the employee or prospective employee.

Any state that has specified in their state laws what has already been ruled by the Supreme Court AND written in the US Code of Federal Regulations, is only clarifying that their law is in compliance with Federal law on the issue.

[Iucounu]

Originally Posted by Pirogi

Any state that has specified in their state laws what has already been ruled by the Supreme Court AND written in the US Code of Federal Regulations, is only clarifying that their law is in compliance with Federal law on the issue.

So you're saying that any state which goes against a particular federal labor regulation, in defining religious beliefs in a completely different context, is subject to preemption on that basis? Wow. You just blew my mind.

I think you need to go read that summary I posted as well. Come back and see me after you've done that.

[blessedwithboys]

Originally Posted by Iucounu

If, for instance, she were a Jehovah's Witness or something similar, it would be interesting and obviously relevant, as people with those sorts of belief systems, who actually worship in that sort of faith, can be presumed to honestly have a religious basis for an exemption

JW's aren't opposed to vaccination, so that would be irrelevant.

[Iucounu]

Originally Posted by blessedwithboys

JW's aren't opposed to vaccination, so that would be irrelevant.

(that's me eating my hat... bad example)

Blessedwithboys, what state are you in? I'm curious. That language would seem to state a combined religious/moral objection to me, so would be pretty open.

[amnesiac]

I have removed many posts from this thread which were in violation of our UA and/or vax forum guidelines. I have also removed posts which were responding to those removed posts.

Please remain focused on the OP's questions regarding vax exemption for preschool. If you wish to continue any discussions pertaining to legal definitions, please do so privately rather than derailing this discussion. Should any further violations of our guidelines arise, the thread will be closed or removed from the boards.