Tennessee bill allowing religious exemptions from COVID-19 vaccines advances in Senate Yue Stella Yu, Nashville Tennessean
A Tennessee bill barring government mandates of COVID-19 vaccines and allowing religious exemptions even during a pandemic advanced in the Senate on Wednesday, after hundreds rallied outside the Capitol to push for the initiative.
The 8-1 vote Wednesday by the Senate Health and Welfare Committee marks a victory for proponents who argue the legislation promotes limited government and individual freedom. It signals a setback for health care professionals who fear the bill will embolden anti-vaccination beliefs and lead to a rise in COVID-19 cases.