Bill would bar federal funding from schools and agencies that deny religious exemptions for vaccine mandates
U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) introduced the Guaranteeing Religious Accommodation in Childhood Education (GRACE) Act on Friday to protect students’ right to religious freedom against institutional vaccine mandates.
The bill seeks to prohibit federal education funding for schools and educational agencies that refuse to grant religious exemptions to students for vaccine requirements.
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“Freedom of speech and religion is the most sacred right guaranteed under our Constitution,” said Rep. Steube. “No student or their family should ever be coerced into sacrificing their faith or jumping through loopholes to comply with a vaccine requirement. The GRACE Act reaffirms our country’s commitment to protecting religious freedom in the classroom.”
The legislation specifically targets elementary and secondary schools, as well as local and state educational agencies, that do not provide religious exemptions for vaccine mandates required for participation in school activities, including athletics.
The bill is co-sponsored by 14 other Republican representatives and has garnered support from a number of organizations, including Moms for Liberty, Global Wellness Forum, Guiding the Impact, and Children’s Health Defense.
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Advocates for the bill emphasize its role in upholding parental rights and the First Amendment.
Cait Corrigan, an advocate for religious and medical freedom, stated that the legislation ensures no child is denied an education due to their parents’ faith. Mary Holland, President of Children’s Health Defense, noted the bill’s importance for states that currently do not recognize religious exemptions from vaccination for school children.
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