A federal appeals court on Friday upheld a 2021 Connecticut law that eliminated the state's longstanding religious exemption from childhood immunization requirements for schools, colleges and daycare facilities.

The decision comes about a year and a half after a lower court judge dismissed the lawsuit challenging the contentious law, which drew protests at the state capitol.

"This decision is a full and resounding affirmation of the constitutionality and legality of Connecticut's vaccine requirements. Vaccines save lives — this is a fact beyond dispute," Democratic Attorney General William Tong said in a statement. "The legislature acted responsibly and well within its authority to protect the health of Connecticut families and stop the spread of preventable disease."