Florida Catholic Bishops Reject AG's Demand for Religious Vaccine Exemptions in Schools

Attorney General Demands Religious Exemptions

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sent a letter to the state's Catholic bishops on July 31, requesting that Catholic schools allow religious exemptions for vaccination requirements. Uthmeier, a Catholic, argued that he saw no legitimate religious reason to refuse such exemptions and suggested that not granting them was "morally reprehensible."

Florida law mandates that public and private schools permit religious exemptions for vaccinations. However, Catholic schools in Florida do not accept religious exemptions, only medical ones verified by a healthcare provider, as the dioceses support vaccination and recognize no theological argument against it.

Threat of Funding Withdrawal

Beyond his theological interpretations, Uthmeier threatened to withhold state scholarships and vouchers from Catholic schools if they did not change their stance on vaccine exemptions. This threat aimed to compel the schools to align with the state's anti-vaccine policies, which are framed as upholding religious freedom.

Bishops Rebuff AG's Stance

The Catholic bishops responded publicly, rejecting Uthmeier's legal and theological arguments. They asserted that the Catholic bishops, not the state, determine the interpretation and application of Catholic principles and theology. The bishops stated they do not need to justify their position on Catholic teaching or their vaccine policies to the Attorney General's office.

Their response cited the hierarchical nature of the Catholic Church, the First Amendment's religion clauses, state laws, and previous court rulings to support their position. They emphasized that their authority in interpreting Catholic doctrine is beyond dispute.