Families from across Minnesota gathered at the capitol Monday to stand against government overreach regarding vaccinations. The proposed legislation, SF 1520, would eliminate conscientious belief exemptions for vaccines for all children attending daycares, public or private elementary or secondary schools, or homeschools. Senator Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids) attended the rally and issued the following statement:

“Personal and religious freedoms should be always be protected in Minnesota,” said Senator Eichorn. “Taking away parental rights and a family’s ability to choose between education and vaccinating their children with numerous vaccines is simply wrong, and I will work to prevent the legislation from passing.”

Under the strict new proposal medical exemptions would be the only way for families to opt out, but in many states, including Minnesota, these exemptions are notoriously difficult to obtain even for families with a legitimate concern about the side effects of vaccination.