COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio House Health Committee is holding a hearing Tuesday on a bill Republicans are trying to pass banning mandatory vaccinations of all types.
Hearing on #HB248 is underway. @SpectrumNews1OH pic.twitter.com/pqXj3VBy4B
— Josh Rultenberg (@JoshRultNews) August 24, 2021
Prior to the meeting, demonstrations took place on 3rd Street as lawmakers prepare to listen to four hours of testimony on House Bill 248 also known as “the Vaccine Choice and Anti-Discrimination Act.” The bill bans employers, like hospitals, from requiring any vaccine, not just COVID-19, does not allow “discriminatory treatment” when it comes to vaccination status and forces schools to tell parents their kids don’t have to get any shots.
Most, if not all of the demonstrators, are supporters of the bill. They said they do not want the government telling them what to do when it comes to COVID-19 and the vaccine.
More #HB248 supporters. @SpectrumNews1OH pic.twitter.com/bedpgZAwyG
— Josh Rultenberg (@JoshRultNews) August 24, 2021
“I am not anti- or pro-vaccine. I am pro-choice. Everyone has to make those decisions for themself. The fact there is such tremendous pressure being brought to bear on this one particular issue, I think, raises a lot of suspicion. People shouldn’t have to be coerced and manipulated with million-dollar lotteries to do something that’s a good idea,” said Amy Kissinger, a supporter of the bill.
Meanwhile, state and federal health officials continue to warn people about the delta variant. They said this bill would be dangerous. Gov. Mike DeWine has also come out against the bill.
On Monday, House Speaker Robert Cupp, R-Lima, released a statement on the bill.
“We appreciate the continued hard work of the members of the Health Committee on House Bill 248. This legislation is important to many members of this caucus. Due to the high interest in the bill, we have directed Chairman Lipps to have one hearing, which will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 24, with no amendments or votes. We will then pause hearings on HB 248 while we work with the chairman, the bill’s sponsor, and all interested parties on this important issue,” Cupp said.
