09/29/2026
An Essex County jury returned a unanimous 8–0 verdict in favor of Theodore “Teddy” DeBlasio, a former county employee who lost his job after his religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine mandate was denied.
According to the Coyle Law Group press release, this is New Jersey’s first jury verdict in a COVID-19 religious exemption case. The jury awarded DeBlasio more than $670,000 for lost wages and emotional harm.
This case is an important reminder: religious accommodation standards must be applied fairly and consistently.
Religious liberty should not depend on which faith you practice.
👏 A significant victory for religious freedom in New Jersey.
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