On November 26th, a new package of bills aimed at increasing vaccination rates among children was introduced. These bills have sparked serious concerns about religious liberty, compelled speech, parental rights, and small business good governance.
Key Points of the Bills:
1. House Bill 6205:
– Amends the Health Code: This bill requires doctors and parents to follow strict guidelines, making it much harder for children to get medical or non-medical exemptions from vaccines.
– Compelled Speech: It mandates specific communication from doctors and parents, raising concerns about freedom of speech.
2. House Bill 6206:
– Amends the School Code: This bill REMOVES the option for parents to seek religious exemptions for their children’s vaccinations.
3. House Bills 6207, 6208, 6209, and 6010:
– Enforcement Mechanisms: These bills introduce various enforcement measures that could place significant burdens on small businesses.
– Data Protection Concerns: There are worries about the handling and storage of personal medical data, which could lead to governance issues.
The Core Debate:
The discussion around these bills isn’t about whether vaccines are effective or beneficial for public health. Instead, it’s about whether these new laws respect and uphold Constitutional protections. Key issues include:
– Religious Liberty: Ensuring that individuals can practice their religion freely without government interference.
– Free Speech: Protecting the right of doctors and parents to communicate without being compelled to say specific things.
– Parental Rights: Allowing parents to make decisions about their children’s health and education.
– Good Governance: Ensuring that new laws are fair, transparent, and do not place undue burdens on individuals or businesses.
As lawmakers debate these bills, they need to hear from YOU, the voter! Please contact your legislator and voice your concerns TODAY. This is a crucial discussion that will shape the future of health policy and individual freedoms.
Please FIND YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE HERE AND YOUR STATE SENATOR HERE and urge them to VOTE NO on HB 6205, 6206, 6207, 6208, 6209, and 6010.