MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

New York State eliminates religious exemptions from vaccination for school children

“I'm not aware of anything in the Torah, the Bible, the Koran or anything else that suggests you should not get vaccinated,” said Democrat Jeffrey Dinowitz

Lawmakers in New York have voted to eliminate religious exemptions for school vaccines for children, as the state grapples with a measles outbreak. The law passed on Thursday night and led to chaotic scenes in the statehouse as anti-vaccination supporters clashed with lawmakers.

Much of New York's outbreak has centred around orthodox Jewish communities.

More than 1,000 Americans have been diagnosed with measles in 2019. Health officials say the disease is resurging.

Last month, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned that the US, which effectively eliminated measles in 2.000, may lose its “measles elimination status” as infections climb to a 27-year high.

The new law in New York, which was passed by the state's Democratic Senate and Assembly chambers, bans parents from claiming religious exemptions which used to allow their children to forgo vaccinations that are normally required for school.

“I'm not aware of anything in the Torah, the Bible, the Koran or anything else that suggests you should not get vaccinated,” said Bronx Democrat Jeffrey Dinowitz, who sponsored the bill.

State Senator Brad Hoylman added: “We're putting science ahead of misinformation about vaccines and standing up for the rights of immuno-compromised children and adults, pregnant women and infants who can't be vaccinated through no fault of their own.”

Governor Andrew Cuomo, who signed the bill into law only hours after it was passed by lawmakers, said in a statement: “The science is crystal clear: Vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to keep our children safe.”

“While I understand and respect freedom of religion, our first job is to protect the public health and by signing this measure into law, we will help prevent further transmissions and stop this outbreak right in its tracks.”

Nearly three quarters of New York's measles cases have occurred among orthodox Jews in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn in New York City.

California, Mississippi, West Virginia and Maine have also banned non-medical vaccine exemptions for school children. Similar exemptions are still allowed in the other 45 states, but lawmakers in some have begun efforts to remove them.

The law allow students 30 days after they enter school to show proof of their immunisation. Without such proof, students may be prevented from enroling.

Two schools in Williamsburg were shut down on Thursday by health officials, after inspections revealed that they have been allowing unvaccinated students to attend classes.

The closure marks eleven schools that have been shut after the New York City mayor issued an order requiring vaccinations for anyone who attends, works for, or visits a school in the Brooklyn neighborhood.