On Tuesday morning Texas Gov. Greg Abbot announced he is banning government-mandated vaccine passports.
The executive order, issued on Monday, prohibits any type of regulation that forces Texans to provide proof of vaccine before receiving government services. Additionally, the order removes a business’s ability to receive state funds if they require vaccine passports or vaccine documentation.
Texans shouldn’t be required to show proof of vaccination & reveal private health information just to go about their daily lives.
I issued an Executive Order that prohibits government-mandated vaccine passports in Texas.
Don’t tread on our personal freedoms. pic.twitter.com/weTbz4FKyH
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) April 6, 2021
In a video announcement Abbott said, “Every day, Texans return to normalcy as more people get the COVID vaccine. In fact, this week, Texas will surpass 13 million doses administered. Those shots help slow the spread of COVID, reduce hospitalizations, and reduce fatalities.”
“But, as I have said all along, these vaccines are always voluntary and never forced. Government should not require any Texan to show proof of vaccination and reveal private health information just to go about their daily lives. That is why I issued an executive order that prohibits government-mandated vaccine passports in Texas. We will continue to vaccinate more Texans and protect public health and we will do so without treading on Texans’ personal freedoms.”
Abbott’s executive order follows New York’s February announcement to begin a coronavirus vaccine passport. This passport will be called the “Excelsior Pass.” It was intended to be required at large venues like Madison Square Garden and then expanded to be used at venues throughout New York state.
