The amendment to the defense authorization bill would forbid service members from contacting the Military Religious Freedom Foundation or its leadership.
The order from the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia marks the first time a court has barred the Air Force from enforcing its mandate for a service member.
Obtaining a religious exemption is rooted in a process that predates the pandemic and has been used for decisions such as whether troops on duty can wear head coverings or beards for religious reasons.
Retired Army Gen. Carter F. Ham urges today's defense secretary to "respect service members who have beliefs opposed to LGBTQI+ behaviors and conduct."
While critics of the new regulation are concerned that this will encourage military superiors to push their religious beliefs on their fellow service members, proponents of the rule have hailed it a victory for religious liberty.