The Freedom From Religion Foundation strongly supports President Biden’s announcement of a sweeping vaccine mandate, a move that will reportedly affect as many as 100 million Americans.
The state/church watchdog celebrates this triumph of reason over the cacophony of unscientific anti-vaxx noise throughout the country. Eligible Americans refusing to get vaccinated has led to another major Covid surge that was entirely preventable.
Thanks to modern science, we have vaccines that we know are safe and effective. For the well-being of those who cannot get vaccinated, including young children, as well as for overworked health care workers, it is imperative for the federal government to require as many eligible Americans to get vaccinated as it is legally able to.
Unfortunately, Biden’s order will allow those under the mandate to apply for a religious exception to the requirement.
“Religious vaccine exemptions are morally and legally wrong,” points out FFRF Director of Strategic Response Andrew Seidel. “Vaccine refusal isn’t a matter of religious freedom because religious freedom does not include a right to harm others, risk other people’s lives, or spread a lethal virus.”
FFRF is based in Madison, Wis., and has recently pushed for vaccine and mask requirements by the local government, university and school board. Biden’s declaration will help those entities — as well as numerous others around the country — make the right choice.
It is past time for Americans to listen to science and reason.
Image via Shutterstock by BiksuTong