Lawmakers voice opposition to vaccine mandates

A resolution unanimously passed by the Idaho Republican Party is calling for legislative action against forced vaccinations amid a rise in state COVID-19 hospitalization. 

The resolution, put forth by the Ada County Republican Central Committee, was approved by lawmakers at the Idaho GOP Central Committee meeting on Aug. 28. 

By supporting the document, committee members urged Republican lawmakers to "immediately pass legislation that protects Idahoans against coercive vaccine mandates that go against the conscience of Idahoans."

The resolution further prompted State Party Chairman Tom Luna to issue a formal request for Republican lawmakers to reconvene and take up vaccine mandates. Idaho Republican Party Executive Director Tyler Kelly said Luna had distributed a copy of the resolution to policymakers in the Idaho House and Senate. 

Republican Rep. Ron Mendive from Coeur d'Alene affirmed the resolution Tuesday. He said that all health care decisions should be between a patient and medical provider, not an employer. 

"The Constitution is designed to protect individual liberties and the freedom of liberty," Mendive said. "So if you don't want to participate in a vaccine trial program, you don't have to."

Mendive's comments and the resolution are in response to businesses announcing they would require eligible staff to receive COVID-19 vaccinations as a condition of continued employment. Earlier this year, Idaho's three largest medical care providers — the Primary Health Group, Saint Alphonsus Health System, and St. Luke's Health System, issued this requirement. 

Following the vaccination mandate, Idaho lawmakers called for leadership to reconvene and take legislative action. In July, Senate GOP leadership issued a statement favoring nonlegislative mitigation. 

"Business thrives when government involvement is limited, and it is our hope that this issue can be resolved before more regulation, as the result of legislation, needs to be considered," the statement said. 

During the 2021 session, the Idaho Representatives unanimously passed House Concurrent Resolution 14 to prohibit any person or entity from requiring an individual to "receive immunizations, vaccinations, inoculations, medical procedure or genetic modulations." The resolution sat untouched by Senate members when lawmakers voted to recess in May. 

Recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic could not be "legislated away," Mendive said the virus would likely have to "run its course" among the Idaho population. Eventually, Mendive believes the community will reach "natural immunity" — which he said is "the best immunity." 

"I've personally had (COVID-19), other members of my family have had it, and I am comfortable with my natural immunity," Mendive said. "God gave us an amazing immune system. We need to take care of it and trust it."  

Sen. Mary Souza, R-Coeur d'Alene, agreed that individuals shouldn't be required "to have an invasive medical procedure against their will." 

"I certainly think if people want to get a vaccine, they should do what works for them," Souza said. "People shouldn't be compelled to do this against their will. It's their body. They should take responsibility for it." 

Souza, who received a Master's in Health Education from Whitworth University, said individuals could take several actions other than inoculation to safeguard their health. 

"I think the federal government and health districts should do more to educate the public to keep their immune system as healthy as possible," Souza said. 

Specifically, Souza cited smoking, weight, and preexisting health conditions as influential to an individual's immune system strength. 

On Tuesday, state officials activated Crisis Standards of Care in medical facilities throughout North Idaho due to increased COVID-19 hospitalizations and staffing shortages. Gov. Brad Little has also stressed the need for Idahoans to get vaccinated for COVID-19. 

Souza applauded the efforts of health care workers. However, she questioned if labor struggles and vaccination mandates have left facilities with a "skeleton crew." 

"Some health care institutions, especially in the Boise area, have required (the vaccine) and are threatening loss of jobs," Souza said. "If those people are not part of the workforce anymore, how is that influencing the level of staff?"

"I realize people are getting sick with the delta variant, and it's really too bad but are (health care facilities) fully staffed?" she added. "I believe there could be multiple factors at play." 

Because House lawmakers only went on recess, the body will return to Boise sometime before 2021 ends instead of formal adjournment. Both lawmakers anticipated there would be legislative action addressing forced vaccinations when lawmakers reconvene later this year. 

"We need to do the right thing. Idaho needs to stand up like Texas and Florida and stand up for our citizens," Mendive said. "We need to protect our constituents and citizens in the state from doing something they don't want to do."