Updated at 7:00pm Eastern, Oct. 19, 2021 | United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen G. Breyer denied a petition for emergency injunction made by a group of 2,009 Maine health care workers who are challenging Maine Gov. Janet T. Mills and her COVID-19 vaccine mandate. They argue Maine’s refusal to consider religious exemptions to the mandate violates their religious liberties and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Breyer denied the petition without prejudice, so it can be re-filed if lower courts don’t rule on the case merits by Oct. 29.

“We are pleased that the Supreme Court is ready to consider this case if we do not get relief at the First Circuit Court of Appeals or if the lower court does not rule by October 29,” said Matthew D. Staver, chairman of Liberty Counsel, a public-interest law firm that represents the health-care workers. “As of Monday, our case is now fully briefed at the court of appeals. We look forward to an expedited ruling. There is no question that Gov. Janet Mills cannot nullify federal law and the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.”

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