Call to Action

The COVID-19 Vaccine Freedom of Conscience Act

On Wednesday February 16th Speaker of the House Gosch amended House Bill 1258. As amended it will give protections to South Dakotans against Covid19 vaccine mandates. The amended version of Bill 1258 passed the House Committee hearing last week and will be heard on the House floor this Tuesday, February 22.

Prior to COVID-19, religious or medical exemptions were exercised by parents or guardians of children who can no longer receive vaccinations and/or for siblings of vaccine injured children, which fails to meet the strict CDC guidelines pertaining to medical exemptions. 

The bill will create an additional exemption (beyond the 1964 Civil Rights Act) to the COVID-19 vaccines for the purpose of conscientious objections, along with clear guidance to state courts upon violation of a conscience objection.

The authors of this bill have thankfully considered the people of South Dakota in drafting language that provides access to a conscientious objection, defined as "a person's inner conviction of what is right or wrong.”

Codifying Covid-19 vaccine religious and medical exemptions would be in-line with South Dakota’s long standing exemption policy for vaccine mandates, that the state places on both public and private school enrollees, and consistent with the protections being passed in other states. It’s not ideal, but adding a conscientious exemption to the medical and religious is a step in the right direction.

We have an amazing opportunity to support this important legislation. Please join us by contacting your Legislators and asking them to support this bill.

Although we cannot testify for the hearing on the floor, you can:

• Share your story with your Legislator; and

• Stand by for further calls to action when it successfully passes the House and moves to the Senate.
  

God’s freedom and blessings,
Health Freedom South Dakota in solidarity with Stand For Health Freedom