MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2022 Regular Session
To: Public Health and Welfare
By: Senator(s) Wiggins
AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT AN INDIVIDUAL OR PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN OF A CHILD MAY SIGN A RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION TO THE COVID VACCINE TO ATTEST THAT THE INDIVIDUAL OR CHILD IS AN ADHERENT OR FOLLOWER OF A RELIGION, THE TEACHINGS OF WHICH ARE OPPOSED TO SUCH IMMUNIZATION; TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON, BUSINESS ENTITY OR A GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY SHALL NOT REFUSE, WITHHOLD FROM OR DENY TO A PERSON ANY LOCAL OR STATE SERVICES, GOODS, FACILITIES, ADVANTAGES, PRIVILEGES, LICENSING, EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, HEALTH CARE ACCESS OR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES BASED ON THE PERSON'S RELIGIOUS OBJECTION TO THE COVID VACCINE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. (1) For purposes of this act, unless the context requires otherwise, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed herein:
(b) "Religious exemption" means a sworn statement signed by an individual that attests that the individual has not received the COVID Vaccine because the individual is an adherent or follower to a religion, the teachings of which are opposed to such immunization.
(2) An individual or parent or legal guardian of a child may sign a religious exemption to the COVID Vaccine to attest that the individual or child is an adherent or follower of a religion, the teachings of which are opposed to such immunization.
(4) An employer shall not refuse employment to a person, bar a person from employment or discriminate against a person in compensation or in a term, condition or privilege of employment based on the person's religious objection to the COVID Vaccine.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2022.