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Conscience Objections to Negligent State COVID–19 Inoculation Edicts Need Constitutional Enforcement Act of 2023
12/15/2023, 4:06 PM
Summary of Bill S 492
The main purpose of the bill is to ensure that individuals who have sincere objections to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine for reasons of conscience are not discriminated against or penalized by state governments. The bill seeks to enforce constitutional protections for individuals who choose not to receive the vaccine based on their personal beliefs.
If passed, the bill would prohibit state governments from imposing penalties or restrictions on individuals who choose not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine due to conscience objections. It would also require state governments to provide alternative options for individuals who object to the vaccine on these grounds, such as regular testing or other preventative measures. Overall, the Conscience Objections to Negligent State COVID–19 Inoculation Edicts Need Constitutional Enforcement Act of 2023 aims to protect the rights of individuals who have sincere objections to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine for reasons of conscience. The bill seeks to ensure that these individuals are not unfairly targeted or discriminated against by state governments and that their constitutional rights are upheld.
Congressional Summary of S 492
Conscience Objections to Negligent State COVID-19 Inoculation Edicts Need Constitutional Enforcement Act of 2023 or the CONSCIENCE Act of 2023
This bill generally prohibits state and local governmental COVID-19 vaccine mandates that do not provide religious exemptions.
Specifically, the bill prohibits state and local governments from establishing COVID-19 vaccine mandates that (1) place a substantial burden on the religious exercise of an individual or entity; (2) do not treat a religious exercise or condition the same as a nonreligious exercise or condition; or (3) exclude or unreasonably limit religious exemptions. An individual's refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, or an entity's refusal to institute COVID-19 vaccine requirements, on the basis of a sincerely held religious belief is considered to be religious exercise.
The bill establishes a private right of action and authorizes the federal government to bring civil actions for violations.
The bill applies to any mandates adopted before, on, or after the bill's date of enactment.
