Did you take the first vaccine and have regrets?
You can file a religious exemption!
Scroll down and register for the educational video.
Scroll down and register for the educational video.
|
Did your employer mandate the COVID-19 vaccine?
Our mission is to help preserve medical liberty in Indiana. The presence of federal religious exemptions was one of the reasons we were told that SB74 was killed. We know that historically, these exemptions have not been honored by employers. We also know that few people are aware of the availability of exemptions. Advocacy and education will continue over the coming months, we would like to collect information regarding COVID mandates and employer responses to exemptions.
If you find yourself in a situation in which your employer mandates a COVID-19 vaccination we encourage you to register for the video below. In the video you learn about the importance of religious exemptions and get some helpful tips as you navigate.
You will also find a survey about exemption denials. If you are denied your exemption please complete that form. We would like to obtain as much information as possible, please email copies of any letters or emails with information about the mandate and consequences of not getting the vaccine to exemptions@hoosiersformedicalliberty.com This will allow us to track and provide aggregate (non-identifying) data to legislators as we continue to bring about legislation. Feel free to come back and give us updates. In case you haven't found them yet, you can find exemption forms HERE.
If you find yourself in a situation in which your employer mandates a COVID-19 vaccination we encourage you to register for the video below. In the video you learn about the importance of religious exemptions and get some helpful tips as you navigate.
You will also find a survey about exemption denials. If you are denied your exemption please complete that form. We would like to obtain as much information as possible, please email copies of any letters or emails with information about the mandate and consequences of not getting the vaccine to exemptions@hoosiersformedicalliberty.com This will allow us to track and provide aggregate (non-identifying) data to legislators as we continue to bring about legislation. Feel free to come back and give us updates. In case you haven't found them yet, you can find exemption forms HERE.
What if I am denied?!?
Hoosiers for Medical Liberty is not an attorney or attorney spokesperson. This information is for educational purposes.
This will be very important for those of you worried about employment so please read this once, take a break and read it again. I am going to do my best to lay it out as plain as day.
I spoke with an attorney who would be willing to take cases HOWEVER they are ONLY for adverse job actions. Adverse job actions may include:
The attorney states that in Indiana the only way to win a case is for adverse job actions. These are violation of civil rights based on religious discrimination but you must have submitted a religious exemption and notified the employer of the violation of rights.
- demotion,
- loss or decrease in hours.
- other instances that result in financial “loss.”
The attorney states that in Indiana the only way to win a case is for adverse job actions. These are violation of civil rights based on religious discrimination but you must have submitted a religious exemption and notified the employer of the violation of rights.
What does that mean?
FILE YOUR RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION! If you quit your job, walk off, or fail to send them notice of your rights
YOU DO NOT HAVE A CASE.
YOU DO NOT HAVE A CASE.
IF YOU HAVE BEEN DENIED FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW!
Submit your religious exemption
You should have already done this. But if not Express that your sincerely held religious beliefs prevent you from receiving the vaccination. (Register for and watch our video below for full details and tips).
IF your religious exemption is denied
You may send an email to your employer’s HR department with a statement informing them that they are violating your rights. You may also use this EVEN if your employer states they are not taking appeals. It may look similar to:
- “I submitted my religious exemption on ----, and received the attached refusal to accept my religious exemption on ----. I have genuine and sincere religious beliefs that will not allow me to accept this vaccination. By denying my religious exemption you discriminating against me and are violating my civil right to freedom of religion.”
- Immediately file a Charge of Discrimination with the EEOC. This must be done!
- Make a report with the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. This is one way to make a State Government record of the infringement on rights.
- You might also consider filing a complaint with your corporate compliance officer if there is one. Be sure to notify them of how your civil rights have been violated. You may choose to use the same information as above.
STAND YOUR GROUND with grace and dignity
- This is probably the most difficult part, you wait. You file your exemption; get the acceptance or denial and you wait. Avoid confrontation, keep doing a great job, and stick to the tips mentioned in the religious exemption video.
- You are not alone, stand strong, and proud.
- Do NOT CAVE, QUIT, or WALK OUT! If your beliefs or thoughts on the vaccine change by all means that is appropriate. We believe in the right to bodily autonomy and informed consent.
Educational Video!
The how to for Religious Exemptions, register here:
The how to for Religious Exemptions, register here:
Sample letters:
You do NOT have to use one of these forms. We encourage you to look over them for inspiration. You may use any portions that you like.
The "editable form" can be customized and edited to your liking. It typically covers most questions asked by employer forms. Once you have edited it to fit your personal beliefs you can use it to copy and paste the answers into a form.
The General and Biblical Exemption forms are also great starting points and up to use at your discretion.
Remember- NO SCIENCE and keep records of all communications for your "Red Rover" folder.
The "editable form" can be customized and edited to your liking. It typically covers most questions asked by employer forms. Once you have edited it to fit your personal beliefs you can use it to copy and paste the answers into a form.
The General and Biblical Exemption forms are also great starting points and up to use at your discretion.
Remember- NO SCIENCE and keep records of all communications for your "Red Rover" folder.
|
|
| ||||||
| FAQ for vaccine exemption presentation |
Hover and click to learn more.
What if my employer hasn’t gotten back to me with an acceptance or denial?
- Call the EEOC for guidance and be direct in your questions:
- “I submitted my religious exemption for the vaccine on [date] and it has been [– days/weeks] but my employer has not gotten back to me. The deadline for termination is [date]. At what point does a non-reply become a refusal to acknowledge my sincerely held religious beliefs?”
- You may also elect to send a request for update to your employer:
- “I submitted my religious exemption for the vaccine on [date] and it has been [– days/weeks] but I have not received a response. I value my position with [employer’s name] and do not want to jeopardize our relationship. The deadline for termination is [date]. I am very concerned over the issue and would appreciate a swift response. Sincerely,”
If the deadline comes and you are threatened with termination
Make sure that you have followed the steps in the appeals process, collected documentation as described in our educational video below, and remain CALM. EVEN if your employer says there is no appeals process, you must put them on notice of a violation of your rights.
If you have completed everything above send your employer one last notice similar to what you see below:
If you have completed everything above send your employer one last notice similar to what you see below:
- “I truly enjoy my position here at {company name} and look forward to many more years of service. It has come to my attention that I have not received my religious exemption confirmation and do not want to jeopardize our wonderful relationship. I submitted my religious exemption on ----, and received the attached refusal to accept my religious exemption on ----. I have genuine and sincere religious beliefs that will not allow me to accept this vaccination. By denying my religious exemption you discriminating against me and are violating my civil right to freedom of religion.”
- Liberty Counsel LC.org,
- KrisAnne Hall: Libertydefense.legal,
- Ican: Freedom@icandecide.org,
- AmericasFrontlineDoctors.org
- There may be local attorneys we can connect you with. Feel free to reach out.
Are there any options for mandatory testing?
If you have a religious exemption filed for the vaccine and your employer is ONLY testing those who are unvaccinated you may have concerns over religious discrimination. We have seen demonstrated by the re-masking of vaccinated and the number of breakthrough cases that the vaccinated are verified to be able to contract and transmit COVID-19. Targeting only those who are unvaccinated seems to be punitive in nature. If you feel that your employer may be discriminating against you based on your vaccination status you may use language such as:
"I feel that [Company name] is using testing as a coercive and discriminatory measure in attempting to get time to betray my religious beliefs."
You may also have other concerns such as violations of health status privacy or even the creation of a hostile work environment. You may use language such as:
"I have concerns that this will lead to a violation of my privacy and create a hostile work environment."
When experiencing these sorts of issues you must notify your workplace so that they can take corrective action. Including examples of such is very helpful. "I noticed you sent an email encouraging coworkers to educate the unvaccinated on why they should get vaccinated. This has created unnecessary and uncomfortable confrontations."
As part of informed consent, I find in necessary to state the following. If you refuse testing your employer may ask you to leave and end your employment. You have to be comfortable with the decisions you are making and understand the potential consequences because you are the only one who has to live with those decisions.
"I feel that [Company name] is using testing as a coercive and discriminatory measure in attempting to get time to betray my religious beliefs."
You may also have other concerns such as violations of health status privacy or even the creation of a hostile work environment. You may use language such as:
"I have concerns that this will lead to a violation of my privacy and create a hostile work environment."
When experiencing these sorts of issues you must notify your workplace so that they can take corrective action. Including examples of such is very helpful. "I noticed you sent an email encouraging coworkers to educate the unvaccinated on why they should get vaccinated. This has created unnecessary and uncomfortable confrontations."
As part of informed consent, I find in necessary to state the following. If you refuse testing your employer may ask you to leave and end your employment. You have to be comfortable with the decisions you are making and understand the potential consequences because you are the only one who has to live with those decisions.
Do I have to get a Religious Leader's Signature?
No. You do not. We have freedom of religion, you do not have to explain your religious beliefs. Further, your religious beliefs do not have to be through the doctrine of an organized religion. A simple statement like the following should suffice and can be adapted to any belief system.
"My sincerely held religious beliefs are based on a personal relationship with my creator. Through prayer/meditation/communication my creator has made it clear to me that this vaccination would be a violation of my faith. Thank you for your understanding."
Further pressure and questioning may be considered discrimination.
"My sincerely held religious beliefs are based on a personal relationship with my creator. Through prayer/meditation/communication my creator has made it clear to me that this vaccination would be a violation of my faith. Thank you for your understanding."
Further pressure and questioning may be considered discrimination.
What if my employer states that there are no appeal options?
If your employer is telling you that there are no appeals you will simply notify them of a violation of your civil rights if you are denied. The steps will be the same as the appeals process. This is a bullying tactic. In submitting your notification you will want to send to Human Resources asking that the letter be added to your personnel file.
"I have been employed by {company name} for XX years and truly enjoy my work. I will not willfully resign my position as I do not wish to terminate my employment. I look forward to many more wonderful years. I submitted my religious exemption on XX, received a denial on XX. I would like to notify {company name} of their violation of my civil right to freedom of religion and an act of religious discrimination. I look forward to a swift resolution of the issue as I am sure it was an oversight. Attached you will find a copy of my original exemption and the denial. Thank you for your assistance in the matter."
"I have been employed by {company name} for XX years and truly enjoy my work. I will not willfully resign my position as I do not wish to terminate my employment. I look forward to many more wonderful years. I submitted my religious exemption on XX, received a denial on XX. I would like to notify {company name} of their violation of my civil right to freedom of religion and an act of religious discrimination. I look forward to a swift resolution of the issue as I am sure it was an oversight. Attached you will find a copy of my original exemption and the denial. Thank you for your assistance in the matter."
What if my employer asks about my previous vaccination status?
Answer honestly, as with all things related to your exemptions.
I have heard that people have used statements similar to the following. If one of these fits your beliefs I encourage you to write them in your own words.
I have heard that people have used statements similar to the following. If one of these fits your beliefs I encourage you to write them in your own words.
- "Yes, I have received vaccinations in the past. My faith allows me to use certain words however others are not appropriate, my faith allows me to work on certain days however I am to keep the Sabbath holy. The same applies to vaccinations. I will only use an exemption for those that directly violate my faith as directed by my creator and will notify my employer as required."
- "Yes, I have received vaccinations in the past, however I have been praying/communicating with my creator and my beliefs have changed."
what if my employer asks if I Have used an exemption in the past?
As always be honest in how you respond.
Here are some statements that I have heard being used. If one of these fits your beliefs I encourage you to write them in your own words.
Here are some statements that I have heard being used. If one of these fits your beliefs I encourage you to write them in your own words.
- I have never been in a situation in which I have been required to submit a religious exemption.
- I did not know that vaccines violated my faith. I have recently grown in faith and understanding of my religious beliefs.
|
|
|
