TOPEKA, Kan. (KNS) – The Kansas Senate has approved a bill making it easier to get a religious exemption from vaccine requirements. The bill makes it harder for childcare facilities, schools and employers to require vaccinations because it would be easier to get an exemption.
The bill still has to pass the Kansas House but faces an uphill battle to become law. The bill did not pass the Senate with enough votes to override a likely veto from Democratic Governor Laura Kelly.
Republican state Senator Kristen O’Shea was one of seven Republicans who joined Democrats opposing the bill. “I oppose efforts by those who would wipe out innocent life through abortion, and I stand opposed to those who would allow innocent children to suffer and possibly die when these life-saving vaccines have been safely used for decades and remain available,” she said.
Supporters of the bill say the change is necessary to protect individual freedoms.
