Oklahoma Senate Bill SB846

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Conditions of employment; prohibiting certain vaccinations as condition of employment; fetal cells; protecting religious beliefs. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

If enacted, SB846 will modify existing statutory provisions that prohibit requiring medical examinations as a condition of employment. It will explicitly augment protections for individuals opposing vaccinations derived from fetal cell lines due to their religious beliefs, thereby reinforcing the concept of religious freedom in employment law. This could lead to significant shifts in hiring practices and workplace policies, compelling businesses to adjust their vaccination requirements.

Summary

Senate Bill 846 (SB846) aims to amend Oklahoma law concerning employment conditions related to vaccinations. Specifically, the bill prohibits employers from requiring employees or applicants to take vaccinations if fetal cells were used in their development, provided such refusal aligns with sincerely held religious beliefs. This amendment seeks to protect individuals from being discriminated against or terminated for opting out of vaccinations based on their religious convictions. The introduction of this bill comes amid wider debates about vaccination mandates in the workplace and personal liberties.

Contention

The bill's provisions have already sparked debates regarding public health and individual rights. Supporters argue that the legislation is crucial for protecting religious freedom and personal autonomy in healthcare decisions. Conversely, opponents express concern that allowing individuals to refuse vaccines based on religious beliefs could undermine public health efforts, particularly in light of recent pandemics. The potential for increased workplace divisions and legal challenges arising from vaccine-related disputes is a further point of contention surrounding this legislation.