Albany, NY (WBEN/AP) After the largest measles outbreak in a quarter century hit New York State, lawmakers passed a bill doing away with religious exemptions to vaccines required for students to be admitted to school.
Sussman claims while students are required to be vaccinated, adults are a different story. "It's very strange they're keeping healthy children from going to school to stop bringing in measles, but adults don't have to vaccinated," claims Sussman. "In many cases they're not vaccinated, or they're vaccinated and that's worn off."
Assistant State Attorney General Helena Lynch said the legislative record is clear that the purpose of the law is to protect public health.
"We have to come back to the principle that the right to religious expression doesn't include the right to put others in danger," Lynch said.
Supporters of the new law have also suggested some parents may be claiming a religious exemption even though their opposition to vaccination is actually based on scientifically discredited claims about the dangers of vaccines.
New York still allows exemption from vaccines for medical reasons such as a weakened immune system.
It's unclear when Judge Denise Hartman will rule on the injunction request.
