“Stop compulsory vaccination” committee launches referendum campaign
Published: Tuesday, May 7th 2024, 13:00
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The initiative committee of the campaign "For freedom and physical integrity (stop compulsory vaccination initiative)" launched its referendum campaign in Bern on Tuesday. Every person must be allowed to make their own decisions about their body, the committee demands.
Anyone who does not get vaccinated should therefore not suffer any professional or social disadvantages or be fined. The initiative is intended to influence the legal situation in such a way that the state cannot compromise physical integrity. And not even in the event of a national emergency, said Richard Koller, author of the initiative and co-initiator.
"This initiative is about the fact that it is a fundamental human right to say no and not to be punished for saying 'no'," said Ticino SVP National Councillor Paolo Pamini.
The initiative committee argues that leaving people to make the final decision about their body and health creates a protective barrier against possible misjudgements by the authorities. If the state were to inform its citizens transparently and honestly, citizens would accept an intrusion into their integrity of their own accord. The state would not have to resort to coercive measures.
The popular initiative was launched and submitted by the Swiss Freedom Movement during the Covid-19 pandemic. At the time, compulsory vaccination was being considered and at times a certificate requirement was in place, which was sometimes met with criticism. For weeks, only people who could prove that they had been vaccinated against Covid-19, had recovered from the disease or had tested negative with a certificate were allowed to enter public places and events.
Of the major parties, only the Swiss People's Party (SVP) has voted in favor of the initiative. The Federal Council and the Federal Assembly recommend rejecting the initiative.
©Keystone/SDA
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