ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A group of parents is suing New York state in an effort to reinstate a religious exemption to vaccine mandates.

The plaintiffs, represented by attorneys including Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., argue that state lawmakers violated the religious rights of parents when they repealed the exemption last month in the face of the nation’s worst measles outbreak in decades.

Kennedy joined several parents at a courthouse in Albany Wednesday, when the lawsuit was filed. Fifty five families have signed on as plaintiffs.

Critics of the old exemption say religious beliefs shouldn’t outweigh overwhelming scientific evidence showing vaccines work to protect individuals and communities from disease.

Five states have no religious exemption. The Supreme Court ruled in 1905 that states have the right to enforce compulsory vaccination rules.

Sign up for Daily Newsletters Manage Newsletters

Copyright © 2020 The Washington Times, LLC.