A Maryland lawmaker has introduced a bill in the state that would ban employers from mandating the coronavirus vaccine for their employees.
“Prohibiting an employer from terminating an employee solely on the basis of the employee’s refusal to receive a vaccination against COVID-19,” reads the summary of the bill, which was introduced by Democratic Delegate Nick Charles.
In addition to prohibiting employers from mandating the vaccine, the bill also protects employers from lawsuits if an employee that refused the vaccine later became sick with the virus.
The bill comes as vaccine availability has grown across the country, with President Biden announcing that states should make doses available to everyone by May 1.
NEW YORK CITY WAITRESS EXPECTING TO BECOME PREGNANT FIRED FOR NOT GETTING COVID-19 VACCINATION
But the increased availability opens the door for controversy, with businesses hoping vaccinated employees could help them keep their doors open after more than a year of shutdowns and capacity limits imposed in response to the pandemic.
Just last month, a New York City waitress who was expecting to become pregnant said she was fired for her refusal to take the vaccine, citing a lack of research confirming the vaccines were safe for pregnant women.
“I do support the vaccine. I’m not, as they say, an anti-vaxxer,” the waitress, 34-year-old Bonnie Jacobson, said. “Once there is more research to support that it does not affect fertility, I would reconsider my position,” she continued.
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She was informed after a 13-hour shift that while management respected her decision, receiving the vaccine was mandatory for employees and said that “at this time, your employment will be terminated.”
