A Raleigh County circuit judge entered a final order today in a case with statewide implications about religious exemptions to West Virginia’s school vaccination requirements, with the state school board saying just a few hours later that it would abide by the ruling until an appeals review.

In a 74-page Thanksgiving week order, Circuit Judge Michael Froble granted permanent injunctive and declaratory relief to families who want the public school system to accept religious exemptions processed by the state health department.

Attorneys for the state and local school boards signaled weeks ago that they would appeal the local judge’s rulings to the state Supreme Court.

The judge’s ruling will affect communities across the state because Froble certified a class action for more than 570 fami

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