Belleville Councilwoman Urges State legislators to Protect Parental Rights and Religious Freedoms and Oppose S2173/ A3818 Amendment

Yesterday the Senate Health committee approved on a 5 to 4 vote an amendment to the current
New Jersey law which allows families to file for religious exemptions to vaccinations. Currently,
a minimal 2% of families opt out of vaccinations that directly conflict with their religious
principles by filing for religious exemption, posing no threat to the rest of the population.

“The power of our government is limited to the bounds of our constitution” expressed
Councilwoman DePena. “Regardless of what other states may have approved, the first
amendment is clear on this issue: government shall make no law respecting an establishment
of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” This law will strip people of religious
rights, by forcing them to a medical procedure that is against their deeply held religious beliefs.
“ I am extremely concerned with the precedent that this violation of religious rights sets for the
future. This affects all people of faith, regardless of your stance on vaccinations” said
Councilwoman DePena, who is an ordained minister.

Children who do not comply will be unable to attend school, or participate in summer camps,
afterschool programs, or sports that require immunizations. The mandates also extend to
adults in Higher education.

A mother of two, DePena further explained her parental rights concerns: “This is a dangerous
bill; it is a blank permission slip on our children’s lives, because you will not have the choice to
decline vaccinations that will be developed in the future! Bills are currently being drafted
proposing new mandatory vaccines even without parental consent. The message we send to
parents is that their children belong to the government and that they are not fit to make
decisions for their families”

The Senate and Assembly will be voting on this bill on Monday December 16th. “I urge all
legislators to stand up for the constitution, parental rights, and religious freedom , and vote no
on this amendment” Councilwoman De Peña concluded.