Republicans in the West Virginia General Assembly passed a bill that would effectively eliminate vaccination requirements for public school students and allow private and parochial schools to set their own policies. However, the requirements will still apply for students participating in sanctioned athletic events sponsored by the West Virginia Secondary School Athletic Commission.
meanwhile House Bill 5105 passed the House of Representatives 57 to 41 votes and in the state senate in March. 20 to 12 votesGov. Jim Justice (R) killed it last week.
The judge suggested he was being swayed by a “supermajority” of the Mountain State’s “medical community” rather than the state Legislature.
The governor said in his: veto letter He said medical experts contacted suggested the bill “would cause irreversible harm by impairing children’s immunity to diseases such as mumps and measles.” Historically, West Virginia has had very few cases of these diseases, especially because of the state’s vaccination requirements. very strong. ”
Children enrolled in West Virginia schools and state-regulated child care centers must be vaccinated against chickenpox, hepatitis B, measles, meningitis, mumps, diphtheria, polio, rubella, tetanus, and pertussis. It won’t. The state does not currently offer religious exemptions.
“I have always been, and always will be, a defender of our freedoms as a West Virginian and as an American,” Justice added. “I’ve heard people strongly believe one side or the other on this issue, and I respect all opinions. But we must follow the guidance of medical experts on this issue. … Their wisdom should not be ignored, especially when it comes to the health and safety of our children. ”
West Virginia University Vice Chancellor Clay Marsh, who served as the state’s COVID-19 czar during the pandemic, was among those who got Justice’s ear ahead of the veto. report Associated Press.
The ACLU of West Virginia also opposes the bill. Says“Vaccines actually promote civil liberties. They protect the most vulnerable in society: people with disabilities or weakened immune systems, and people who are too young to be vaccinated.”
Congress currently does not have the power to override the attorney general’s veto.
WCHS-TV I got it. Some parents are said to be upset about this veto.
Krystle Perry, a Fayette County mother who withdrew her second-grade daughter from virtual school to avoid mandatory vaccinations. Said“It’s my choice. I gave birth to her.”
“I got a call a few months ago and was told that if I wasn’t up to date on my vaccinations, I would no longer be allowed to attend,” Perry continued. “For me, she doesn’t participate in public classes at all. She’s behind her laptop.”
“I think the reason I haven’t kept her up to date on vaccines is because of religious exemptions,” Perry added.
The bill’s lead sponsor, Republican Rep. Laura Kimble, initially suggested the bill would strengthen individual freedom of choice. report Charleston Gazette Mail.
“When I learned that virtual public school students were also required to have all the vaccinations required, the absurdity of this policy became clear to me,” Kimble said. That’s how this bill was created.
“We recognize the right to religious freedom, and the West Virginia government is attempting to violate this right,” Kimble added. “I am not anti-vaccine, but I believe that the role of government is to protect and protect individual rights, not to provide a false sense of security.”
In Charleston, the veto seems to have mixed reactions.
West Virginia Medical Association officials are pleased with the judge’s decision. report WOWK-TV.
“The governor is looking at the data and the numbers,” pediatrician Dr. Lisa Costello said. She said, “Outbreaks of preventable diseases can cost state governments millions of dollars. Additionally, they can close offices, schools, and child care facilities and disrupt daily life.”
State Sen. Mike Moloney (R) emphasized the importance of historical context, saying, “Most diseases have been eradicated or minimized, so people can continue to improve their communities, countries, states, “They don’t realize the anger that society has experienced.” Countries, really the whole world. ”
To critics of the veto, freedom seemed to be at issue as opposed to public health.
“I’m all for parents having choice when it comes to the decisions they make for their children,” said Democratic Rep. Chris Pruitt (R). “Many parents believe that it is not necessary to vaccinate their children for religious or other reasons.”
Rep. Alex Mooney, Republican of West Virginia, is running against Justice in the U.S. Senate primary. was suggested The right of veto is[a]Another sign of liberal @JimJusticeWV ignoring religious freedom and parental rights. He has always favored a long shutdown over @JoeBiden . Once again, this is further proof that he was righteous all along – a big government RINO. ”
State Sen. Mike Stewart (Republican) I got it. In X, “Even if there was an unfortunate veto on a minor vaccination bill, it was just one small battle in the war for freedom.Next year there will be more conservatives in Congress, but Next year’s bill won’t be as small. We aim for complete religious exemption. ”
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