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 Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) attended the rally and issued the following statement:

“If you want to make momma or poppa bear mad, get between them and their cubs. Minnesota parents should be upset too when the state tries to step in between them and their children. We deserve the opportunity to make informed choices about our children’s care based on their specific situations,” said Senator Johnson. “This legislation essentially tramples that privilege and parental rights, and I will stand firmly against it.”

Under the proposed bill 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.