A state appellate judge is under fire for trying to make a case that cops can’t be faithful Christians — because the job could include killing people.
During a hearing Tuesday in Manhattan before the state Supreme Court’s First Judicial Department, lawyer Jimmy Wagner contended the city should’ve never denied his client, NYPD Sgt. Patrick Marsteller, a religious exemption during the pandemic so he could remain on the job without getting vaccinated.
“What he’s saying is these vaccines in some method were derived from aborted fetuses,” said Wagner. “He does not want to be associated with those aborted fetuses.”
Associate Justice Troy K Webber fired back, citing the sixth commandment: “Does being a police officer conflict with Christian values as well? That, you know, do not kill the thing?”
Some critics said the Democratic jurist’s comments were out of line and part of a larger problem of lefties thinking police officers are murderers.
“What this judge said is reprehensible – does being a cop conflict with Christian values?” tweeted Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Queens). “Police are not on the streets looking to commit mass murder, they are there to stop criminals and protect the innocent. This kind of anti-cop rhetoric has no place in court.”
Musician Cely Batista, who posted video of the exchange on Twitter, called the remarks “biased” “to those of Faith & those who serve.”
Marsteller is appealing a lower court ruling in his lawsuit against the city. He is seeking back pay for three months he was out of work for refusing to be jabbed.
Both his lawyer and the First Judicial Department denied comment because the litigation remains pending.