(Washington) Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday that he will ban all companies, including private companies in his state, from vaccinating their employees or consumers.
“The Covit-19 vaccine is safe, effective and our best defense against the virus, but it should always be voluntary and should not be forced,” he tweeted.
The governor, in his tweet, issued a press release announcing the execution of the order, stating, “No company in Texas can force a person, including an employee or a consumer, to be vaccinated against Covit-19 for personal conscience, religious belief or medical reasons.”
The move comes a month after Joe Biden said the vaccine was mandatory for about 100 million workers, federal officials and private sector employees.
His announcement caused a stir among Republicans, who threatened to take immediate legal action in the name of personal freedom.
Mr Abbott, known for his fierce opposition to wearing a mask, tested positive for Covit-19 after attending a public indoor event in August. The governor has been fully vaccinated.
Although these decisions against the need for vaccines and wearing masks received the support of supporters of former President Donald Trump, they received harsh criticism from Democrats in Texas.
