Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order Monday that bans any and all vaccine mandates, including by private employers.
“The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and our best defense against the virus, but should remain voluntary and never forced,” Abbott said in a statement.
The order states: “No entity in Texas can compel receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine by any individual, including an employee or a consumer, who objects to such vaccination for any reason of personal conscience, based on a religious belief, or for medical reasons, including prior recovery from COVID-19.”
“I hereby suspend all relevant statutes to the extent necessary to enforce this prohibition,” Abbott wrote.
He also added the issue as part of the third special legislative session which is convened until October 19, giving lawmakers the opportunity to pass a similar law, per the Epoch Times.
“The executive order will be rescinded upon the passage of such legislation,” he wrote.
