A state representative insinuated that an amendment to the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Nov. 8 appears to harm more than help workers who eschewed inoculation against COVID-19.
The General Assembly last month approved the revision that states these individuals could face repercussions, Chicago’s ABC7 reported.
Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) wrote in a Facebook post that he foresees the new law being a legal flashpoint.
“Sad day in Illinois,” Jacobs, a longtime optometrist, shared. “As expected, the Governor has signed legislation to limit the Right of Conscience for workers in Illinois. I have no doubt the courts will have the final say on this, but for now our freedoms and liberties are threatened. We must stand up for the rights of working families and push back against the constant assault on our freedoms.”
The 43-year-old Right to Conscience Act shields from disciplinary action health care professionals who refuse to perform procedures due to religious or moral objections.
According to ABC7, Attorney General Kwame Raoul requested that Pritzker urge lawmakers to amend the legislation so that it doesn't apply to a dire public health crisis such as the ongoing pandemic.
This isn’t the first time this year Jacobs has expressed opposition to key legislation.
North Egypt News reported that he expressed skepticism toward the recently-passed energy bill.
Jacobs claimed, the publication reported, that the measure would hit Illinois taxpayers’ wallets hard.
The lawmaker also criticized Pritzker for not acting within his authority to shut businesses down during the pandemic last summer.
According to Southern Illinois News, Jacobs claimed the governor allowed the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund to drain while closed businesses lost crucial revenue and workers a viable income.
In June, Jacobs joined the large chorus of GOP legislators who derided the Democrat-drawn district maps, saying pledges to make non-partisan maps were broken.
North Egypt News reported that Jacobs said the maps signed into law in June ignored the wishes of the public, and that Democrats should have been honest with the public.
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