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A Navy member refuses to give a DNA sample because it violates his religious principles.

1996

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Donald Power is a Petty Officer First Class and Navy nuclear technician. In refusing to donate his DNA, he initially loses a stripe, 40% of his income, and his security clearance.

Power, who is a Native American, states: "My body is a sacred recipe to me, and I didn’t think I should share it... They were not holding a part of me on a shelf... You find personal power in knowing who you are."

After applying for a waiver for the DNA sample requirement on the grounds of religious liberty, he is able to refuse to give his DNA. However, the parameters for religious objection are narrow and do not include moral objection.