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Illinois Senate sends HCRCA COVID-19 clarification bill to Pritzker's desk

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Illinois Capitol Springfield
By Mandy Robertson

SPRINGFIELD (WSIL) -- A Bill that would clarify the state's Healthcare Right of Conscience Act is on its way to the Governors desk.

The Illinois Senate voted 31-24 to approve the proposal late Thursday night. This measure passed out of the House on a 64-52-2 vote on Wednesday.

The Pritzker administration and many Democrats believe people misinterpreted the law in order to file lawsuits against them. This bill clarifies the initial intent of the law.

Thousands of people across Illinois filed witness slips in opposition to the bill this week.

The legislation now heads to Pritzker’s desk for his signature of approval. The governor noted this plan clarifies the existing law’s intent without infringing on federal protections.

“We have effective tools to fight this pandemic â€� namely, vaccines, masks and testing â€� and all of our communities are safer when we use the public health and workplace safety protocols we know to work,â€Ì�said Governor JB Pritzker.Ìý“I want to thank Speaker Welch, Leader Robyn Gabel, and Senate President Harmon for being such fierce champions of this legislation. I also want to thank the members of the House and Senate Democratic caucuses who joined together to affirm that the Health Care Right of Conscience Act was never meant to put vulnerable people in harm’s way. This legislation clarifies existing law’s intent without infringing on federal protections. Ultimately, this means we can keep kids in school, businesses open, neighbors safe, and continue on the path to bring this pandemic to an end.â€�

“The Healthcare Right of Conscience Act allows individuals to refuse to take part in healthcare services that are contrary to their religious beliefs, morals, or otherwise contrary to their conscience.

“Members of both parties have supported the contents and the idea of the HCRCA for years, recognizing that the Act protects a person’s right to make a healthcare decision for themselves. It is not something that should be diminished, overlooked or undervalued. However, that is what happened here tonight.

“The Democrat Majority made an irreparable mistake by seizing this authority from the people of this state. I oppose these actions and will always seek to protect the rights of all Illinoisans.� -- Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg)

“Executive order after executive order, we’ve looked on as the Governor has continued his one-size-fits all approach to the state’s pandemic response under the guise of public safety.

“Today, the Majority Party has attacked a citizens� protected right to refuse something that is directly contrary to their moral convictions or religious beliefs. Once again, all under the pretense of public safety.

“I have maintained time and time again that the COIVD-19 vaccine is a personal choice. But today, the Governor has removed that choice from our citizens. It’s a dangerous and slippery slope that opens the door for the Majority Party to continue to strip personal freedoms and religious rights. It’s inexcusable.� -- Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro)

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