SPRINGFIELD, IL… In late-night floor action Wednesday the Illinois House of Representatives voted and passed SB1169, a bill to change language in the Health Care Right of Conscience Act. The changes were drafted in response to an increased call for vaccine mandates in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. State Representative David Friess (R-Red Bud) had this to say after the vote.
“I have long stated that only the individual, and their physician, knows what’s best for their health. What happened tonight removed a barrier that protects your right to decide your own healthcare. Let me be clear, tonight’s vote opened the door for coercive measures to be taken on everyday workers who are simply trying to make a living for themselves and their families”, said Friess.
The Health Care Right of Conscience act protects individuals’ ability to cite religious and moral convictions to refuse to ‘obtain, receive, accept, deliver, pay for, or arrange for the payment of health care services and medical care.’ Mandated testing and vaccination for COVID-19 which is considered healthcare, violates this act. Governor Pritzker and his fellow Democrats pushed for this legislation in an effort to solidify Governor Pritzker’s COVID mandates, which have been consistently challenged in court.
“I’m saddened that the first instance we have as legislators to co-manage this pandemic with the executive office, the General Assembly willingly handed more power to the Governor and his staff of bureaucrats. This is a massive overreach of government that violates your right to private healthcare. I fear for the ramifications of such actions,” concluded Rep. Friess.