Gov. Greg Abbott’s ban on enforcing vaccine mandates includes private employers and is the latest escalation in his resistance to public health measures
The order states that “no entity in Texas” can enforce vaccination against anyone in the state who objects “for any reason of personal conscience, based on a religious belief, or for medical reasons, including prior recovery from COVID-19,” according to a news release from the governor’s office.
“The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and our best defense against the virus, but should remain voluntary and never forced,” Abbott said in a statement.
Abbott also called on the Texas state Legislature to pass a law with the same effect. The executive order would be rescinded upon the passage of such legislation, the governor’s office said.
“We’re facing a lot of pushback, especially from some of the Republican governors. The governors of Florida and Texas are doing everything they can to undermine the life-saving requirements that I’ve proposed,” Biden said in a speech last month specifically calling out Abbott and Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida.
“This is the worst kind of politics because it’s putting the lives of citizens of their states, especially children, at risk. And I refuse to give in to it,” the President said at the time.