Story at a glance
- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced he will introduce an executive function action against vaccination passports and called for the state legislature to pass a bill making the ban permanent.
- “It’s completely unacceptable for either the government or the private sector to impose upon you the requirement that you show proof of a vaccine to just simply participate in normal society,” DeSantis said.
- The move from the Florida governor comes amid reports the Biden administration is coordinating with private companies and federal agencies on a digital vaccine-passport program.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) plans to take action this week against the requirement of so-called vaccine passports across the state.
During a news conference Monday in which DeSantis signed a bill aimed at shielding companies and schools from pandemic-related lawsuits, DeSantis announced he will introduce an executive function action against vaccination passports and called for the state legislature to pass a bill making the ban permanent.
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“It’s completely unacceptable for either the government or the private sector to impose upon you the requirement that you show proof of a vaccine to just simply participate in normal society,” DeSantis said.
“You want to go to a movie theater, should you have to show that? No. You want to go to a game? No. You want to go to a theme park? No. So, we’re not supportive of that,” he said.
DeSantis emphasized that the state wants to provide vaccines for all residents but “mandate it for none.” He said he believes the concept would have widespread privacy implications and is unnecessary.
The move from the Florida governor comes amid reports the Biden administration is coordinating with private companies and federal agencies on a digital vaccine-passport program that would allow businesses and venues to validate that someone has been inoculated against COVID-19 before allowing them entry, reducing the chances of spreading the virus.
Several countries around the world have already started implementing such programs and New York recently became the first state in the U.S. to launch a vaccine passport.
The New York Excelsior Pass is an app that provides digital proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results via a QR code. The app launched Friday and can be used by New Yorkers to gain access to large events that exceed social gathering limits. Proponents of the program say it could help fast-track the reopening of large venues like theaters, stadiums and other businesses.
Large venues like Madison Square Garden will begin using the program in the coming weeks, according to NBC 4.
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