A one-year ban on vaccine needs was enacted last year, and this bill would make that measure permanent.
“We’ve been living for a year under the latest edition of this law,” said Republican Sen. Greg Dolezal, the bill’s lead sponsor. There will never be a day in Georgia when governments deny their constituents based on whether or not they have won a COVID-19 vaccine. “
BIDEN ADMINISTRATION ENDS GOP EFFORT TO END VACCINE REQUIREMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL AIR TRAVELERS
The Georgia Senate on Tuesday approved a measure to ban and maximize state and local government agencies from requiring the coronavirus vaccine. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Dolezal said the government does not deserve to “discriminate against citizens” based on their vaccination status.
The existing one-year ban in 2022 will expire on June 30.
“We know there’s been a motion in the United States to demonize vaccines and do it in defense of individual rights,” said Democratic Sen. Nan Orrock, adding that lawmakers who voted in favor of the new bill are “basically signing the anti-vaccination motion” and tying the government’s hands if COVID-19 gets worse again.
The bill prohibits state agencies, local governments and schools from requiring proof of vaccination.
The bill would not apply to fitness service providers because of federal needs for workers to get vaccinated to continue receiving federal payments. (Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket Getty Images)
“When we throw expenses to the ground and vote on them in the General Assembly, which has the effect of further undermining public confidence in vaccines and public health measures, I think it poses a danger to all of us in the long run,” he said. Added. Orrock said. ” It’s wise. “
Republican Sen. Ben Watson, a physician, said a term wasn’t mandatory because the virus is less severe.
“Science has evolved, disease has evolved,” Watson said.
THE LASTING IMPACT OF COVID-19: ‘LESS ATTRACTIVE’ PEOPLE WEAR MASKS MORE OFTEN THAN OTHERS, STUDY FINDS
A one-year ban on vaccine needs was enacted last year, and this bill would make that measure permanent. (Stock)
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Meanwhile, Democrats say COVID-19 is less fatal thanks to vaccines and other public protective measures, and they don’t guarantee the virus will remain so.
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Dolezal said he plans to submit a separate bill to make the existing five-year ban on mask mandates permanent.
The Associated Press contributed to this report