As more of the COVID-19 vaccinations become available, there is a fear the vaccine could be compulsory as government works toward eradicating the virus’ threat.
State Rep. Ritchie Whorton (R-Owens Cross Roads) seeks to limit local and state government authority mandated vaccinations through his legislation HB278, co-sponsored by State Rep. Tommy Hanes (R-Bryant).
During an interview with Mobile radio’s FM Talk 106.5, Whorton said he saw that as a decision made by an individual and not by the government.
“Really, what I’m trying to do here is just say, ‘Hey, it’s my body, my choice.’ As far as vaccines go, I’m not saying, ‘Hey, everyone needs to take the vaccine,’ or, ‘Everyone doesn’t need to take the vaccine.’ That’s not it. Basically, what I’m saying is you’re given a choice, and it’s your choice whether to take the vaccine or not. I don’t want folks to force the vaccine on anyone. That’s mainly what the bill is about: your body, your choice,” he said.
“I just think it’s everyone’s choice, and that’s the way I would like to see here in the state,” Whorton added. “[B]asically, what I’m trying to do is say, ‘Hey, you can’t mandate this vaccine. As a free society, I think it is up to the individual to have the right to choose, and that’s what the bill is.”
Whorton cited unknowns about the COVID-19 vaccines given the expedited approval as a cause for skepticism that could make an individual choose to forgo vaccination.
@Jeff_Poor is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of South Alabama, the editor of Breitbart TV, a columnist for Mobile’s Lagniappe Weekly, and host of Mobile’s “The Jeff Poor Show” from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on FM Talk 106.5.
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