![]() ![]() Some letters, including the one from True Hope Ministry, included incorrect information and raised concerns about the vaccine that were not related to religion. Most employees’ names and other sensitive information were redacted by the agencies that provided the records. A few employees described themselves as Mormon, Syrian Orthodox, Christian Scientist, Muslim and Buddhist. Most requests were written by Catholics and evangelical Christians. “They didn’t want to vaccinate and went looking for something that sounds convincing as a way to get out of it.” “It seems that many of these people were not acting for sincere religious reasons,” Reiss said. But, she said, it’s likely that many copy-and-paste exemptions are simply a means to an end. and America’s Frontline Doctors.įorm letters may help some devout people articulate complicated but legitimate views, said Dorit Reiss, a professor at UC Hastings College of the Law who studies legal issues related to vaccines. Others lifted language from anti-vaccination groups such as Children’s Health Defense - chaired by Robert F. Several letters reviewed by The Times included statements identical to those on the website of Defending the Republic, a Texas organization led by Sidney Powell, a conspiracy theorist and lawyer connected to former President Trump. But the majority of exemption requests reviewed by The Times were copied from letters posted on websites of evangelical churches, conservative legal groups and fee-based organizations such as True Hope Ministry. Some employees at the DWP, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and two Southern California school districts cited Scripture and described their relationships with their faith. They also reveal a cottage industry that has sprung up to help people justify decisions to refuse vaccination. The documents, from four public employers, show just how complicated it can be to review vaccine exemption requests. They may also ask you to certify that you have not, and will not, use medications that also contain the same ingredients or were subject to the same development process of the COVID vaccine.Īnother red flag, says Frattarelli, is if you show up one day objecting to vaccines on a political basis, then try to claim a religious exemption.Through public records requests, The Times amassed more than 2,200 pages of emails, letters and other records related to religious waivers from vaccine rules. Many will look to see if you have ever requested a religious exemption for other vaccines that contain the same components of the COVID vaccine. While following these guidelines may increase the likelihood that you boss will accept your religious exemption, Frattarelli says some companies are challenging them based on your past behavior. "Stick to your sincerely held religious belief."Īt this time, religious exemptions do not appear to apply to testing mandates, although Wefer thinks that will eventually be challenged in court. "Don't talk about science, don't talk about politics don't talk about your personal medical information," Wefer cautions. There are also things you should not include in your letter. ![]() None of these accommodations are guaranteed, but they show you are willing to discuss options. Wefer says it is also best to request what you believe to be a "reasonable accommodation." That could be things like wearing a mask, submitting to regular COVID testing or working from home. In the letter, ask to meet with your boss to discuss your beliefs and request to begin a dialogue. It will add to the sincerity of the letter." "Include historical information about yourself, like sacraments you've made or things that are important to you in your religion. Wefer says begin by writing a personal letter to your boss. She advises you not to use form letters you can find on the internet or to copy someone else's letter. To claim a religious exemption, workers’ rights attorney Dana Wefer says a personal approach is best. Generally, medical exemptions are being accepted with greater frequency, provide you have the documentation from a physician to back it up. cautioned, however, that employers do have the ability to challenge both exemptions, and their acceptance by your employer is not guaranteed. ![]() In many cases, if you refuse to be vaccinated, you could try to claim either a medical or religious exemption.Īttorney Peter Frattarelli with Archer & Greiner P.C.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |