The Los Angeles City Council vote on a COVID-19 vaccine mandate was postponed Wednesday after the ordinance was not passed unanimously. City Councilmember Joe Buscaino, the lone holdout, said he withheld his vote on the mandate because "unenforceable laws are ridiculous."
Because the vote was not unanimous, the ordinance will come back before the council next week for another vote. Details on enforcement are expected soon.
The mandate would require people to show proof of being fully vaccinated if they want to enter indoor public places. Meaning, any individual eligible to receive the vaccine would need to show proof of vaccination to enter venues such as stadiums, movie theaters, gyms, restaurants and bars.
While other council members agreed that the ordinance is flawed, they also said problems can be fixed later.
"We can't delay a day longer," said Councilmemeber Paul Krekorian. "We need to advance forward an ordinance that is going to protect people from their fellow citizens who are making a choice not to become vaccinated."
Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell said a mandate makes sense for a city that is so dependent on tourism and hospitality. O’Farrell co-introduced the original motion with City Council President Nury Martinez in August.
"Now is the time to act and align our requirements with the county’s so there’s consistency,” said O'Farrell.
Buscaino, who is also running for mayor in 2022, agreed that different guidelines for the city and county could create confusion over enforcement boundaries, calling the ordinance "as clear as mud."
He cited the struggle to enforce such a mandate as the reason for withholding his vote Wednesday. Additionally, he said is worried business owners will find it difficult to enforce.
“He or she is taking care of a customer at the register and he or she has to go back to the front entrance and check if the person is vaccinated,” said Buscaino.
Buscaino also said trying to enforce a mandate could put business owners in harms’ way.
Martinez struck a harsher note when speaking about those resistant to the mandate. "It's for the greater good," she said. "Anti-vaxxers are not only wrong, they are selfish."
Ahead of the vote, she said, “We’re getting tired of protecting people who do not want to protect themselves.”
The vaccine mandate ordinance, if passed, would take effect on Nov. 4. And even with Buscaino's withholding of his vote Wednesday, the council is likely to pass the ordinance next week, which would still have it coming into effect Nov. 4.
Those who do not want to receive a COVID-19 vaccination can apply for an exemption. But they will then need to show a recent negative test to gain entry into most indoor public places.
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