A new bill could make it illegal to discriminate against any person who chooses not to get vaccinated for COVID-19.
Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Teutopolis, filed the legislation that would outlaw any person, workplace, or public official from requiring the COVID-19 vaccine for someone that holds beliefs against it.
Dubbed "The Freedom Act," the legislation would also allow for anyone that believes their religious rights were violated for being required to get vaccinated the ability to file a lawsuit against those mandating it.
"My legislation is necessary and is essential for the preservation of our right of conscience," Niemerg said at a press conference on Tuesday, Dec. 7.
"Right of conscience" is a term that's come up at the Statehouse very recently. It's a direct reference to the Healthcare Right of Conscience Act, a state law that originally allowed for people to oppose giving or receiving medical treatments based on their held beliefs. The intention of the act had been to prevent medical professionals from having to perform things like abortion or prescribe birth control if it went against their moral or religious beliefs.
Some groups this year had used the act as a loophole to argue against the state's COVID-19 vaccine or weekly testing mandate in certain workplaces. That's why the Illinois General Assembly amended the act in October to allow for repercussions against those that refused vaccination or testing where it's required.
For Professor Emeritus of Political Science, Kent Redfield, "The Freedom Act" would essentially be a blank pass for anyone not wanting to get vaccinated.
"This is about signaling. This is position taking. There's no expectation that this is going to go anywhere," Redfield said.
Niemerg even acknowledged Tuesday that his legislation faces a major uphill battle.
"I know this legislation is a longshot given the political realities in Springfield," Niemerg said. "This is why I need help of concerned citizens to put pressure on the leaders in the House and Senate to do the right thing."
In October, over 50,000 people submitted their opposition to amending the Healthcare Right of Conscience Act. The amendment narrowly passed the Illinois Senate, and is set to take effect in June.
On Monday, Dec. 6, a House Democrat filed legislation that would force unvaccinated individuals to front the bill if they are hospitalized for COVID-19, regardless of insurance coverage.