Defending Freedom of Conscience for Cadets and Midshipmen Act of 2022

Defending Freedom of Conscience for Cadets and Midshipmen Act of 2022

This bill provides that a cadet or midshipman at a federal service academy (e.g., the U.S. Naval Academy) may not be required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 as a condition for graduation and may not be dismissed from the academy as a result of refusing to be vaccinated.

Cadets and midshipmen who are prohibited from fulfilling their service agreement due to their refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination may not be subjected to repayment provisions (e.g., bonus repayment) or specified debt repayment collections.

Bill 117 HR 7890, also known as the Defending Freedom of Conscience for Cadets and Midshipmen Act of 2022, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to protect the religious freedom and conscience rights of cadets and midshipmen at military service academies.

The bill specifically aims to ensure that cadets and midshipmen are not discriminated against or punished for expressing their religious beliefs or moral convictions. It prohibits military service academies from taking adverse actions against cadets and midshipmen based on their beliefs, including denying them promotions, assignments, or opportunities for advancement.

Additionally, the bill requires military service academies to provide accommodations for cadets and midshipmen to practice their religious beliefs, such as allowing them time off for religious observances and providing access to religious services and materials. Overall, the Defending Freedom of Conscience for Cadets and Midshipmen Act of 2022 seeks to uphold the constitutional rights of cadets and midshipmen to freely exercise their religious beliefs and moral convictions while serving in the military. It is currently under review in Congress and has garnered support from various religious and civil liberties organizations.