Snohomish firefighters appeal vaccine suspensions to Ninth Circuit
EVERETT — Eight Snohomish County firefighters who were placed on unpaid leave for refusing COVID-19 vaccination on religious grounds are fighting for their day in court — and their lawsuit could set a precedent for religious accommodation in the workplace.
After a federal judge dismissed their case in January 2024, the firefighters appealed to the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Four appeared in person.
Oral arguments took place April 3 in Portland, where attorney Jennifer Kennedy argued the district court had “mishandled” the case and ignored evidence that the fire department could have reasonably accommodated the men without burden.
“This case really isn’t about COVID-19,” Kennedy said in an interview. “It’s about religious accommodation in the COVID era.”
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/snohomish-firefighters-appeal-vaccine-suspensions-to-ninth-circuit/
