Great news out of California
yesterday:
Unswayed by a relentless parade of opposition, a key Senate panel on Wednesday passed a bill that would strengthen California's vaccination requirements, capping an emotional hearing that marked the beginning of a battle over what has become Sacramento's most contentious issue this year.
Bill SB277, which passed 6-2, would end vaccination opt-outs for children entering public schools unless there was a medical reason. Religious or "personal exemption" opt-outs would no longer be valid.
This is a win for those of us who believe in crazy stuff like medicine and science, but it's not yet time to celebrate:
The bill now will be heard by the Senate Education Committee, followed by the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee. It will also need to make its way through the Assembly before Gov. Jerry Brown decides whether to sign or veto the bill.
Those in opposition to the bill were joined by notable quack Dr. Bob Sears and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, who co-wrote a book questioning the safety of vaccine ingredients. He had this to say:
Calling people who oppose vaccines "anti-vaxxers," he said, is "misogynistic."
"It is anti-woman and anti-mother," Kennedy told the crowd, adding that the mothers he has met during his crusade "have read the science and ... they could destroy any politician."
Jackass.