As society takes steps back to “normal,” the debate over vaccine passports is front and center. Normal is not having to show your papers unless you lived in Eastern Europe during the Cold War.
The idea of government entities or private businesses requiring proof a person has received a COVID-19 vaccination shot would come at great cost: reduced personal and economic freedom.
As of today, Iowans traveling to Chicago must quarantine for ten days or test negative for coronavirus no more than three days before arriving. The quarantine and test can be avoided if they can show proof of receiving the vaccine.
New York tested a digital passport QR code that had to be displayed to attend professional basketball and hockey games.
The Chicago Tribune reports, “At least 17 companies or nonprofits are developing websites or apps that might be used by sporting venues, restaurants and other businesses seeking to keep their customers and employees safe.”
This week, Governor Kim Reynolds took a firm stand on the issue and protecting our freedom:
“I strongly oppose vaccine passports, and I believe that we must take a stand as a state against them. Which I intend to do either through legislation or executive action.”
“While I believe in the efficacy of the vaccine enough to get it myself and encourage Iowans to do the same, I also respect that it’s a personal choice”
“What you’re doing when you move forward with something like that is you’re creating a two-tiered society. You’re either engaged or you’re marginalized.”
Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is voluntary. As long as that is the case, requiring proof of vaccination would violate Iowans’ personal freedom. Businesses requiring verification would restrict the free flow of commerce and reduce an individual’s economic freedom.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Texas Governor Greg Abbott have both issued executive orders banning COVID-19 vaccination passports in their state. Iowans need similar protection.
