South Carolina is part of the Bible Belt. Protecting religious freedom is the foundation of the state, or so you assume.
And yet here we are, dealing with S.897 that proposes removing religious exemptions (RE) to vaccines. Not only is it filed, but it is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Medical Affairs Committee on March 4.
Why?
Apparently, it’s to address the measles outbreak.
However, the public updates mainly report total case numbers. Department of Health (DPH) reports 973 confirmed measles cases since October. The reports, however, do not include a detailed breakdown of clinical severity.
The updates don’t publish outbreak-specific data on how long patients were ill, how many cases were mild versus complicated, or how many were treated at home. General clinical guidance indicates that uncomplicated measles typically resolves in about 7 to 10 days, with most patients recovering at home. DPH has not released recovery timelines specific to this outbreak.
Public summaries also do not provide a case-by-case explanation of how each infection was confirmed.
The term “unvaccinated” in outbreak reporting can include people who declined vaccination as well as infants who are not yet age-eligible for the routine MMR series, which typically begins at 12 to 15 months of age.
DPH’s public updates of cumulative totals practically scream “OUTBREAK!” A rising headline number, repeated week after week, creates a sense of escalating danger. When cumulative numbers stand alone without context, the perception of crisis grows. Hence, the justification for removing RE for MMR vaccines.
A quick aside:
Why do people have to explain or prove their religious beliefs against vaccines? Why should anyone have to show their faith to the government?
Let’s keep going.
First conclusion.
This is not, in any shape or form, a conservative bill. Defending religious liberty has long been a core conservative principle. If protecting constitutional liberty isn't conservative, what is?
Next observation.
Before filing legislation that impacts constitutional rights… can someone please run it through a spell checker?
Exhibit A: The Title
The short summary states:
“Measels Vaccine Required to Attend Public School”
Problem: It should be spelled Measles.
Exhibit B:
“Medcical Exemption” is misspelled in both Sections 2 and 3.
Apparently, the outbreak is urgent enough to remove REs, just not urgent enough for spell check. But then again, there’s that little-known trick: legislators don’t always read the bills they file.
You can’t make this up.
What changes?
Currently, Section 44-29-180 allows exemptions under Regulation 61-8.
S. 897 adds language stating:
“the Department… shall not grant a Certificate of Religious Exemption for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.”
Translation:
The RE for school and childcare vaccines in South Carolina has been in place for decades. Now, because of what appears to be an inflated fear narrative, S. 897 proposes to remove this long-standing religious exemption for the MMR. So if you have a sincere religious belief against vaccines, it doesn’t matter; no MMR shots, no access.
What new laws are being proposed?
A new condition for Education Scholarship Trust Fund eligibility:
Students must show proof of two doses of the MMR vaccine or have a medical exemption. No religious exemption allowed.
A new condition for private school scholarship grants (Section 59-41-20):
Even students attending private schools using state funds must comply with the MMR requirement or qualify only for a medical exemption.
A brand-new statute (Section 59-101-600):
No one may attend a public college or university in South Carolina without proof of two doses of the MMR vaccine.
This change extends vaccine requirements beyond K–12 schools into colleges and universities. Religious exemptions won’t be allowed.
That’s a considerable expansion of police power.
How is it enforced?
Through denial of access. Can’t…
enroll in public school
qualify for scholarship funds
get a private school grant
attend a public college
Using Tip Two’s legislative trends, this fits squarely into:
Increase State Government Control
Limit Freedom
Another big problem, legally, past removal of a right often lays the groundwork for expanding that removal through established precedent. So the risk of this spreading to all vaccines is exactly how jurisprudence tends to operate.
What follows?
No RE allowed for any vaccines.
Expanded medical compliance conditions.
Expansion into workforce or professional licensing contexts.
Religious freedom is a constitutional right.
The government should never assume it can push it aside for any reason. No compromise on that.
Call to Action
The hearing is on Wednesday, March 4, at 10:00 AM in Room 209 of the Gressette Building.
Contact the Medical Affairs Sub-Committee Members:
Respectfully, ask them to vote NO ❌ on this bill.
Senator Danny Verdin
dannyverdin@scsenate.gov
P: (803) 212-6250
Senator Michael Gambrell
mikegambrell@scsenate.gov
P: (803) 212-6032
Deon Tedder
Senator deontedder@scsenate.gov
P: (803) 212-6132
Senator Shane Martin
shanemartin@scsenate.gov
P: (803) 212-6420
Senator Richard Cash
richardcash@scsenate.gov
P: (803) 212-6124
Senator Matthew Leber
mattleber@scsenate.gov
P: (803) 212-6032
Senator Billy Garrett
Senator billygarrett@scsenate.gov
P: (803) 212-6016
Senator Thomas D. Corbin
TomCorbin@scsenate.gov
P: (803) 212-6100
The Senate Medical Affairs Committee’s main office number:
P: (803) 212-6430
That connects to committee staff (not a legislator). Staff log positions and pass tallies to the chairman before a vote.
Removing religious liberty protections is neither conservative, cautious, nor limited government.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not constitute legal or professional advice. ConservaTruth assumes no liability for any actions taken based on this content. Readers are encouraged to review the bill text themselves. Read more.
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