Peoria, Ill — Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed a measure designed to support vaccine mandates for certain employers across the state.
You’ll remember the state General Assembly passed SB1169 into law.
It walks back earlier protections for many healthcare employees in the state who refuse to take vaccines under a so-called “right of conscience” reservations.
Governor Pritzker and Illinois lawmakers, primarily Democrats, approved the law change as a means of adjusting the Health Care Right of Conscience Act, “so that it cannot be abused or misinterpreted to jeopardize workplace safety”, according to a release from the Governor’s office.
“Masks, vaccines, and testing requirements are life-saving measures that keep our workplaces and communities safe,” says Pritzker.
The Health Care Right of Conscience Act was originally enacted to allow medical professionals to refuse to receive or participate in healthcare services that are contrary to their personal beliefs, including religious or moral objections to specific services, such as abortion.
Pritkzer’s office calls “the misuse of the law’s original intent” a threat to, “customers, staff, and community members at risk by exposing employers to legal retaliation for enacting life-saving public health measures.”
Democratic House Speaker Emmanuel “Chris” Welch said, “despite deliberate attempts to misinform the public, nothing about this law takes away anyone’s rights to claim religious or medical exemption, which are protected by federal law.”
Supporters of the change say this will clarify for business owners that it is not a violation of state law to impose mask and/or vaccine mandates in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
In a statement reacting to the news, top Republican candidate for Governor Gary Rabine said, “The idea that employers can mandate a vaccine and be protected from lawsuits ought to frighten us all. If we cannot make healthcare for ourselves, what other ways can government limit our freedoms?”
He continued…”Governor Pritzker may not like the choices people make, but he should respect their right to make decisions for themselves.”
