Fri May 09 02:30:00 UTC 2025: **Governor’s Executive Order on School Immunizations Sparks Controversy in West Virginia**

Charleston, WV – West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey is facing significant backlash after issuing an executive order expanding exemptions for mandatory school immunizations, directly contradicting state law and the legislature’s decision. The order, signed in January, allows for religious and moral exemptions, despite existing state law only permitting medical exemptions.

The Governor’s action comes after a failed attempt to pass a similar bill through the state legislature. The bill, which garnered bipartisan opposition amidst a Texas measles outbreak, was ultimately rejected.

Superintendent Michelle Blatt initially upheld the existing law but later reversed course under the Governor’s directive, instructing counties to honor religious exemption requests.

Critics argue Morrisey’s order oversteps his authority, citing the state’s immunization law and the legislature’s rejection of the exemption expansion. They also point to the absence of any such power granted to the Governor in the state’s Equal Protection for Religion Act, the legal basis cited by Morrisey.

Public health concerns are central to the opposition. West Virginia, unlike many states currently experiencing measles outbreaks, has maintained a strong immunization record. Experts highlight the potential dangers of measles, including serious complications and even death, especially in young children. Furthermore, existing options like homeschooling and private schooling already cater to parents with concerns about vaccinations. Even the Wheeling-Charleston Diocese, which operates numerous schools in the state, has announced it will not accept religious exemptions.

The Governor’s actions are widely expected to face legal challenges, with many predicting the executive order will ultimately be overturned.

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