Harrassed about choice not to vaccinate - IL

[b2manatees]

My daughter's school is harrassing me about our "exact religious tenants" regarding our religious exemption to vaccination. They are pushing back when I tell them that the first ammendment protects my religious freedom. Does anyone have any references about what EXACTLY I have to tell them and any tips on what I can tell them to make them leave me alone? Looking up the definition of religion, my beliefs fall into that catagory but I don't think that's going to help me.

Thanks!

[Amatullah0]

Actually, the second amendment doesn't say that you don't have to tell them your "exact religious tenants" for refusing vaccination. BUT, the first amendment DOES protect your right to practice your religion

I'm sure what they are asking you for is illegal, and advise you to get all of their requests in writing from them. Theres a ton of stuff about this in this forum, and even about IL. Search for IL + exemption

good luck, and sorry I couldn't be of more help

[BeantownBaby9]

just tell them aborted fetus parts are used in the manufacture of vaccines, and thus a business and government propagation of abortion. Your religion forbids "taking a life" and by participating in a vaccination program you are furthering the exact practice your religion forbids.

[Amatullah0]

actually, i believe that that would be considered a philosophical exemption.

religious exemption is more like, "our religion prohibits all vaccines." I think on the grounds that only God can protect us.

(thats what i've heard from this forum anyways )

[Xerxella]

Here's a great website on how to write a religious exemption letter for illinois:

http://www.vaccineawareness.org/Illi...Exemptions.htm

It even includes the exact words from the Illinois Department of Public Health memo.

[b2manatees]

Does anyone know if I have to specifically mention "God"? We used "higher power" and "deeply held spiritual beliefs" and they are forcing for actual religious tenants. I've left a message that for fear of religious persecution I'd rather not divulge exactly what I believe and don't believe that I have to per the Bill of Rights

Thanks so much for what has been said. Anyone with anything else?? I have a feeling I'm dealing with a person with a personal vendeta against those of us that made this choice.....

[b2manatees]

Originally Posted by Xerxella

Here's a great website on how to write a religious exemption letter for illinois:

http://www.vaccineawareness.org/Illi...Exemptions.htm

It even includes the exact words from the Illinois Department of Public Health memo.

YES. I used this site!!! I took their words and have printed off the memo faxed back in 2000. Waiting for a call back now.

[MountainMamaGC]

Definitely tell them to put their request in writing. That way there is a record of their request. Tell them you want all correspondance regarding this matter to be in writing.

[b2manatees]

Okay, so luckily it turns out that the health lady is very nice. She just needs something more specific. Anyone have anything that doesn't mention the Christian God that would work? You see, we aren't exactly Christian and although I'm happy to stretch it a bit I'd rather not totally lie. Thanks wonderful ladies!

[Amatullah0]

Would "Higher Power" work? Or "Spiritual Belief"? Do you believe in a "God"? What do you call it? Use that.

Use one of these: My/Our objection is based on my/our lifelong, deeply-held religious beliefs.

OR

The vaccination of my/our child violates laws put forth within us by a
[higher force/God/HigherPower] at the time of conception.

[b2manatees]

Originally Posted by Amatullah0

Would "Higher Power" work? Or "Spiritual Belief"? Do you believe in a "God"? What do you call it? Use that.

Use one of these: My/Our objection is based on my/our lifelong, deeply-held religious beliefs.

The above is EXACTLY what we wrote and what was denied! I'm going to hope that "our faith prohibits us from doing anything against our moral conscience." Keep fingers crossed.....

[eclipse]

Why, specifically, have they denied it?

[b2manatees]

No reason given other than "not specific enough". They want "against our long-held deep spiritual belief that ____." They want to know what our religious tenants are. I think it's BS and probably illegal but am trying to play the game. Husband is super angry. We prefer the philosophical exemption although technically anything you believe can be called your religion. Don't like semantic arguments though.

I'm going back and forth between our faith prohibiting us from doing anything against our moral conscious OR our beliefs that we should not inflict harm upon others OR our beliefs that we should, well basically do unto others as we want done unto ourselves only less Bible-y (I sure don't want anyone injecting me with toxins against my will!!).

[caned & able]

Originally Posted by Amatullah0

Actually, the second amendment doesn't say that you don't have to tell them ...

The SECOND AMENDMENT guarantees the citizenry's right to bear arms ... ... and have a well regulated militia. ...

Chekc with Emmeline II as she can cite a specific case from your state in Chicago ... it is illegal for them to ask you anything about your religion ...

[b2manatees]

Originally Posted by caned & able

The SECOND AMENDMENT guarantees the citizenry's right to bear arms ... ... and have a well regulated militia. ...

Yup. Had a brain fart with my original post. I went back and changed it as soon as it was pointed out. I KNEW I should have paid more attention in Civics class

I *could* try to make a joke about how if my first amendment right isn't upheld it's a good thing I have the second amendment!

[eclipse]

From reading the link about what you need to provide in IL, I don't think you need to or should supply more than you already have.

[Emmeline II]

I agree with pp. Going on that info you could say "my exemption is in compliance with IL law."

[SunshineJ]

At this point I would insist that her request and reason for refusal be put in writing if it isn't already, and I would insist on speaking with her supervisor (everyone has one!). It sounds like either she is pushing a personal vendetta or just doesn't understand the laws, but you have provided exactly what is required of you. I wouldn't say anything further to her as it may be turned to be used against you. Speak to her superior, provide them with the timeline and documentation you've already submitted as well as a copy of the state law, and it should be resolved. Good luck!

[b2manatees]

I want to thank everybody for their very helpful responses. I'm going to ask for everything in writing. Additionally I spoke to my best friend whose brother happens to be a lawyer and who LOVES cases like this - you know, anything that is a personal attack against someone's beliefs. So at least I have a back-up plan. Plus calling in the lawyer card won't be a total bluff!

As a side note, the supervisor of the nurse at my daughter's school DID say that I could just write "John 3:16" is my reason on a piece of paper and that would be accepted. So weird. Still, I'm not going to do that.

Thanks again!

[smeep]

I would NOT say ANYTHING about your religious beliefs in ANY way. The last time I read a thread about this exact same thing (can't remember what state it was) people said not to say a word because if it got to the point of being in court they could use it against you (i.e., you say you're Christian and you're not...but even slight deviations could be used against you). I would suggest searching for other threads on this subject. I'm pretty sure the last one I read was in the last couple months or so.