“Pray With Me, Don’t Prey On Me”

“Pray With Me, Don’t Prey On Me”
By Julia Torres

Last year, a measles outbreak in various New Jersey counties and Rockland County, New York created quite a stir within communities, schools and with health officials. During 2019’s first three months, the Garden State alone had surpassed the amount of measles cases in 2018. Additionally, although the measles disease had been officially eliminated from this country in 2000, the Big Apple still experienced an alarming measles crisis.

This commotion led to the prohibition of unvaccinated children in public places; a federal judge disallowing unvaccinated students to return to school and health officials affirming vaccination to combat the spread of measles. Soon thereafter, Democrat Sen. Loretta Weinberg sponsored legislation to cease with religious exemptions as a reason for children not to be vaccinated. Previously, a child’s ability to attend school had not been withheld if religious beliefs were cited as reason to refrain from immunization.

Originally intended to include public and private schools and colleges, this bill was later changed to include only public schools. However, this attempt at compromise did nothing to appease the many New Jersey residents who stand against this controversial bill, leading many to stand their ground in Trenton on Monday, January 13, 2020, when the bill to prevent parents from exercising religious exemption against vaccinations was returned for a second reading in a Senate voting session.

Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney was confident in acquiring a victory similar to California, Maine, Mississippi, New York, and West Virginia. However, as discussions remained in the State House, hundreds of protesters flanked its courtyards. One specifically, Manisha Lad, strongly disagreed with Democrat Assemblyman Herb Conaway’s comment that, “Vaccines are safe”.

Having known firsthand how vaccinations affected her son Akhil with autism, Mrs. Lad stood behind a microphone, voicing her concerns against mandatory vaccinations in front of the State House. Surrounded by peers, thousands in the area chanted, “Kill The Bill” or carried signs such as, “Pray With Me, Don’t Prey On Me,” “My Child, My Voice”, and “Fear God!, Pharma… You Answer To Jesus,” while the press interviewed Mrs. Lad. It is her strong desire that no parents have to endure the challenges Akhil has faced as a result of mandatory vaccinations.

Spectators’ passion and protection were evident as Mrs. Lad completed her interview. The crowd recited the Lord’s Prayer as Pastor Steve Hannett from Abundant Grace Christian Church in Rutherford led the prayer. Tears streamed from mothers as fathers held their children close, confirming their commitment to family to the powers-that-be behind the doors.

Surely God answers prayer, as the Senate adjourned, not passing the bill leading a group to chant “Thank you, God”. While the outcome brought residents relief, it was understood that the bill is not gone for good. Clearly, Manisha Lad will have much company the next time another similar bill is proposed, proving love conquers all.