CALL TO ACTION
Did you know that under Kentucky law, the state could require vaccination of every citizen of the Commonwealth? KRS 214.036 states, “In the event of an epidemic in a given area, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services may, by emergency regulation, require the immunization of all persons within the area of epidemic, against the disease responsible for such epidemic.” This is dangerous and unacceptable and it must be stopped.
Previously, it may have been easy to read the language in KRS 214.036 and discount it as something that would “never happen.” But the events of the past year place these words in a new context. While the Kentucky administration has stated that there are “no current plans” for mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations, we cannot predict what will happen. The government must not have the ability to force a medical intervention. This statement stands as inalienable truth and is further reinforced by the fact that the manufacturers of vaccines have no liability for the damages inflicted by their products (National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 and The Prep Act).
Senate Bill 8, which has passed the Kentucky Senate and is now being considered in the House of Representatives, provides a crucial mechanism for all Kentucky citizens to be able to opt out of mandatory vaccinations. The bill creates vaccine exemptions based on medical indications, religious objections, or objections based on conscientiously held beliefs, also known as philosophical exemptions.
This bill protects Kentucky citizens from any state-mandated vaccines, whether that be a COVID-19 vaccine or a vaccine due to any other epidemic. With a limited number of days remaining in the 2021 legislative session, it is crucial that you ask the House of Representatives to take swift action on this bill. It must be passed with enough time remaining to overturn a potential veto from the governor.
Other Components of SB8
This bill was amended in the Senate from its original version. As originally introduced, SB8 would have also added philosophical exemptions for daycares, K-12 schools, and longterm care facilities. But the Senate removed most of this language due to pressure from school leaders and medical special interest groups when the bill passed through the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. SB8 does not remove or diminish the existing medical and religious vaccine exemptions for daycares and K-12 schools.
Click to e-mail your Representative and ask them to vote YES on SB8