A HOUSE COMMITTEE IS VOTING TO FINE TUNE A STATE LAW SO IT DOESN’T APPLY TO COVID-19 MANDATES.

THE HEALTH CARE RIGHT OF CONSCIENCE ACT WAS DESIGNED TO PROTECT HEALTH CARE WORKERS WHO ARE UNWILLING TO PERFORM A PROCEDURE OR PROVIDE A SERVICE BECAUSE IT GOES AGAINST THEIR RELIGIOUS BELIEFS. BUT SOME PEOPLE HAVE BEEN USING THIS TO FIGHT VACCINE AND TESTING MANDATES. THAT’S BECOME A PROBLEM SAYS ASHLEY WRIGHT WITH THE ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE.

THE CHANGE EXCLUDES COVID COMPLAINTS FROM THE ACT AND PROTECTS PUBLIC HEALTH SAYS REPRESENTATIVE ROBYN GABEL OF EVANSTON. SHE HAD THIS EXCHANGE WITH REPRESENTATIVE C-D DAVIDSMEYER OF JACKSONVILLE, WHO FEARS MORE EXCEPTIONS WILL BE ADDED.

THE RIGHT OF CONSCIENCE ACT WAS ORIGINALLY DESIGNED TO PROTECT MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS WHO WON’T PROVIDE A SERVICE ON BASED ON MORAL GROUNDS.