Legislators Vote For Bill To Prohibit Vaccine Discrimination

The Montana House of Representatives has voted in favor of legislation to prohibit discrimination based on vaccine status or possessing an immunity passport.

The bill, sponsored by Jennifer Carlson, R-Manhattan, passed its second reading by a 66-34 margin on Thursday, April 1.

During the hearing, Carlson said she had earlier spoke about a bill to prohibit vaccine passports, but the items have since been approved at the federal level.

She noted with graduations and weddings in the near future, she hopes all people can attend them in person rather than through Zoom.

Carlson noted the bill allows exceptions for religious and medical reasons for not having the COVID vaccine.

“You should never be discriminated against if you decide not to have a vaccine,” she said.

The bill will prohibit a governmental entity to refuse a person any local or state services and an employer to refuse employment or bar a person from employment based of not having an immunity passport.

Rep. Laurie Bishop, D-Livingston, feels the bill could have a negative impact on child care providers because they can currently require vaccinations.

She feels it’s also harmful to put a negative light on vaccines when the public health’s history features great success with vaccinations.