Charleston, WV - The West Virginia Democratic Party strongly condemned Governor Patrick Morrisey today for issuing an irresponsible and politically motivated directive promoting so-called “religious waivers” from childhood immunization requirements in public schools. This misguided move comes after the legislature rejected such legislation earlier this year.

“The legislature has already spoken clearly on this matter-Governor Morrisey has no authority to perform an end run around their decision,” stated Delegate Anitra Hamilton (D – Monongalia). “It’s disturbing that our Governor is prioritizing political pandering over the health and safety of West Virginia students and school personnel.”

Governor Morrisey’s executive order falsely claims a religious basis for immunization exemptions despite no mainstream religious faith requiring adherents to refuse such treatments. “Let’s be clear: No religion demands its followers put themselves and others at risk by avoiding necessary, life-saving immunizations," West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin added.

Moreover, Governor Morrisey's ongoing failure to appoint a Chief Public Health Officer underscores his reckless approach. The position remains vacant because Morrisey knows it's virtually impossible to find a qualified professional willing to endorse the Governor's unscientific and medically unsound policies. Currently, the Acting Commissioner of Public Health lacks the legally mandated education credentials to serve permanently in that critical public health role. "Our state deserves a qualified public health expert, not a political placeholder," Pushkin emphasized.

“Public school students, teachers, administrators, and staff should not be forced to risk exposure to preventable and potentially deadly diseases just so Governor Morrisey can cater to the extreme elements of his political base,” Pushkin concluded. "West Virginians deserve leadership that respects science, public health, and the legislative process."