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AVFCA Lawyers Continue to Fight for
Religious Exemptions for CA School Vaccine Requirements...

Significant developments are unfolding in our legal efforts against California's SB 277, which removed personal and religious exemptions for school vaccinations.

Recently, a federal court in Southern California dismissed a similar case, Royce vs. Pan, brought by Advocates for Faith and Freedom, ruling that SB 277 is a "neutral and generally applicable" law, despite its allowance for certain secular exemptions while denying religious ones. This decision thereby dismissed the argument that religious beliefs exemptions are constitutionally required for school vaccination requirements.  This ruling (https://avoiceforchoiceadvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Advocates-for-Faith-and-Freedom-Lawsuit-Order-Granting-MTD-without-Leave-032625.pdf) sets a concerning precedent and could influence the outcome of A Voice for Choice Advocacy's case. 

However, as a silver lining, this ruling provided AVFCA's legal team with an advance view of potential judicial reasoning, allowing us to proactively address and counter these arguments before our own judge had the opportunity to rule. Our attorneys seized this opportunity to craft a compelling rebuttal, meticulously distinguishing our case and challenging the notion that SB 277 is neutral and generally applicable. Their dedication and expertise have been instrumental in reinforcing our position.  Our Supplemental Brief can be read here: https://avoiceforchoiceadvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SB-277-Religious-Exemption-Lawsuit-Plaintiffs-Supplemental-Brief-042525.pdf.  

The court has scheduled a hearing on the motion to dismiss our Second Amended Complaint for June 7, 2025.

For a comprehensive overview of our lawsuit, including background information and court pleadings, please visit our website: https://avoiceforchoiceadvocacy.org/avfca-litigation/. AVFCA remains committed to advocating for religious freedom and informed choice in California's vaccination policies. This case stands as one of the most pivotal lawsuits in California today, holding the potential to reinstate the ability for children to attend school without being fully vaccinated. Regardless of national efforts by figures like the Trump administration or RFK Jr. to "Make America Healthy Again," it is through lawsuits like ours that we can reclaim our constitutional rights in California.

In the spirit of resilience and community, we warmly invite you to join us for AVFCA’s 10-Year Anniversary Gala, Celebrating Silver Linings, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM at Domenico Winery in San Carlos, CA. This special evening will feature organic, nutrient-dense, seed oil-free dinner and drinks, dancing, an auction, and the opportunity to connect with fellow advocates. It's a celebration of our collective journey and the impact we've made together. Tickets and additional details are available here: https://givebutter.com/AVFCA2025Gala.

We hope to see you there!  Together we can make change happen!

C

Christina Hildebrand
President/Founder
A Voice for Choice Advocacy, Inc.
[email protected]
www.AVoiceForChoiceAdvocacy.org