While many corporations across the U.S. are rushing to require the COVID-19 vaccine for their employees before they can return to work, Montana becomes the first state banning vaccine mandates.
Under a new law passed by the state’s Republican-controlled Legislature earlier this year, requiring vaccines as a condition for employment is deemed “discrimination” and a violation of the state’s human rights laws. So far, Montana is the only state in the U.S. with a law like this for private employers. GOP lawmakers who supported the bill in the state Legislature said it was needed in response to employers “coercing” employees to get vaccinations under threat of termination.
We commend the Montana Conservative lawmakers who stood up for these employees and their rights. With increasing pressure from large corporations and institutions to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for their employees, we hope more stand up and fight back.
