The NJ Legislature is seemingly going to pass on one of the most strict laws in the nation, which is a bill that would end religious exemptions to vaccinate requirements for students that are enrolled in school or college, whether public or private. This caused many protests to arise, dozens of parents and children that oppose vaccinations standing out the door to State Senate. 

After the State Assembly, lawmakers soon realized that they would not have enough votes to pass the law. Protestors cheered after the announcement of the voting being postponed. Even then, a quote by Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney stated, “They can cheer all they want. We’re not walking away from it.” 

It was said that lawmakers could revive the bill before the end of January 13th in the legislative session. The bill came up from a measles outbreak in the region this year, which was portrayed as a crucial health measure for the public, which points to the reason that vaccinations are safe and effective. 

This is all to ensure the safety of children in school, as unvaccinated children can pose a threat to other students. The law states that in order to attend school, children enrolling must be vaccinated unless they have a valid medical reason. This is also because most families were able to mandate vaccinations, which may potentially change with the law for children enrolling in schools.