Bill to Strengthen Vaccine Religious Exemptions Passes Senate Committee
At present, religious exemptions can only be obtained through the county health departments.
SB85 will make it easier for children to receive religious exemptions and require public universities to offer religious and medical exemptions to students
A bill strengthening the right to receive an exemption from vaccination for religious reasons passed out of committee on Wednesday and now goes to the floor of the Alabama Senate for a vote.
SB85 received a recommendation from the Senate Education Policy committee by a vote of 6–0, with 2 abstentions.
The bill amends current law to specify that a parent’s or guardian’s written statement that they object to a vaccine on religious grounds is sufficient documentation to exempt the child from vaccination. It further requires all public higher education institutions that require vaccination to provide for both religious and medical exemptions to vaccines and to testing requirements.
At present, religious exemptions can only be obtained through the county health departments. According to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) website:
“A Certificate of Religious Exemption can only be issued by a county health department. The parent or legal guardian must submit a written objection and receive education on the consequences of not immunizing their child. By State School Immunization Law, a Religious Exemption can only be issued to kindergarten through 12th grade and not to institutions of higher learning.“
Opponents of the bill argue that the bill would weaken public health protections against communicable diseases by making it easier to obtain religious or medical exemptions to immunization.
Supporters of SB85 argue that current law creates an unconstitutional infringement on religious freedom by placing an onerous burden on parents and guardians of minors. They also believe that adults who are attending public higher education institutions should have the right to be exempt from testing and vaccination requirements on medical and religious grounds just as children do.
Stephanie Durnin, Director of Health Freedom Alabama said this about SB85:
“Government has no place in distributing religious exemptions, especially not the very institution (ADPH) that has repeatedly failed the people of Alabama.
“After enduring years of public health agencies trampling on the rights of Alabama citizens, why should we trust them to oversee religious freedom? It’s time to “unburden” them from this responsibility.
“While SB85 takes a step in the right direction, it must go further to ensure that ALL Alabama families, not just those in public schools, receive the benefits of this great legislation. Religious liberty should not be limited by where a child receives their education.
“An additional component should also be considered for the bill that would require ADPH to delete its religious exemption database entirely. No government agency should be tracking or storing information on citizens’ religious beliefs. Such overreach is un-American.
“We appreciate Senator Orr’s leadership on this important issue and urge him to strengthen SB85 so that its protections extend to every Alabama family, ensuring true freedom for all.”
SB85 was introduced by State Senators Orr and Chesteen and is supported by patient’s rights and medical freedom groups including Focus on America and Health Freedom Alabama.
