Alabama lawmakers voted to pass a bill that would prohibit employers from firing employees who refuse to comply with federal vaccination regulations for medical reasons or religious beliefs. The list of acceptable medical exemptions includes those with COVID in the past year.
The Alabama House of Representatives passed the final version Senate Bill 9 passed by a 75-27 vote, followed by a 23-2 vote in the Senate Thursday.
The bill will now be sent to the governor of Alabama Kay Ivey, Which is expected to be signed on Friday.
“Given that the legislature has been debating all week proposals aimed at sending a strong message against excessive Biden vaccine authorization, the governor will review these bills tomorrow morning. [November 5] The goal is to sign them into law tomorrow afternoon,” Ivey’s communications director Gina Maiola told AL.com.
“She has instructed her legal staff to begin reviewing these bills immediately after the legislature has passed them on.”
The bill is against President Joe Biden’s vaccine mission, Which stipulates that all federal employees must accept the jab. Employers with more than 100 employees must also ensure that their employees are vaccinated.
The new legislation states: “The bill will prohibit employers from dismissing individuals who refuse to be vaccinated after they have submitted a complete exemption form.”
Despite Biden’s authorization Religious and medical exemptions are allowed. Senator Chris Elliott is one of the sponsors of the bill, claiming that federal contractors reject religious exemptions, according to reports AL.com.
“There are many different issues, but the most important thing is to support business and support freedom, religion and personal freedom. I think we have achieved the best balance in the short term,” Elliott passed Alabama Daily News.
“I understand the concerns of the business community because they are thinking about their members. My job is for my voters and the people of Alabama, not just for the business.”
Designed to protect workers
State Representative Mike Jones also stated that the bill aims to protect workers by allowing workers to fill out a simple form to explain why they should be exempted.
He said: “The protective measures provided in this section should benefit employees and take effect immediately after being passed and signed by the governor,” he said. Associated Press.
The Alabama Commission of Commerce, the most powerful business group in the state, expressed opposition to the bill, arguing that employers should be able to make their own decisions about their workforce, and further legislation will only confuse workers.
BCA said in a statement: “The current vaccine authorization bill passed by the Alabama legislature creates confusion and forces Alabama employers to comply with conflicting state and federal laws, putting them in a win-win situation.”
“This legislation will prevent Alabama employers from making personnel decisions and place that power in the hands of the state government. BCA is confident in Alabama employers and their ability to make informed decisions to create and maintain employment opportunities. .”
Exemption list
The final draft of the bill lists some approved exemptions. these are:
- Based on my current 3 health conditions and medications, my healthcare provider advised me to refuse the COVID-19 vaccination. (Note: You must include the signature of a licensed healthcare provider on this form to apply for this exemption).
- I have suffered severe allergic reactions (such as anaphylaxis) related to vaccination before.
- I have had a severe allergic reaction before receiving polyethylene glycol or products containing polyethylene glycol11.
- I have had a severe allergic reaction before receiving polysorbate or products containing polysorbate.
- In the past 90 days, I received monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma as part of COVID-19 treatment.
- I have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners.
- My immune function is severely compromised, so receiving the COVID-19 vaccination will pose a risk to my health.
- I was diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 12 months.
- Receiving the COVID-19 vaccination conflicts with my sincere religious beliefs, customs or rituals.
Jones can’t define what is “Sincerely hold religious beliefs” According to the Associated Press.
Governor Ivey has been contacted for comments.
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