State Rep. James DeSana (R–Carleton) had a press conference today to recognize his bill protect individual liberty and parental rights by prohibiting discrimination based on vaccination status in employment, education, and access to public services.

The initiative aims to ensure Michigan residents are not denied employment, healthcare, education, or access to public services because of their personal medical decisions. By classifying vaccination status as a protected characteristic, the measure reinforces the principle that bodily autonomy and informed consent should be respected in all areas of public life.

“No one should have to choose between their job and a medical decision,” said DeSana. “Every Michigander deserves the freedom to make personal health choices without being punished or excluded. This effort is about restoring balance, protecting privacy, and making sure individuals remain in charge of their own medical decisions.”

Key provisions of the measure include:

• Prohibiting discrimination by state and local governments, employers, and public institutions, including schools and colleges, based on vaccination status or lack of an “immunity passport.”
• Preventing blanket vaccine mandates as a condition of employment, public access, or participation in education, except in specific, medically necessary situations.
• Affirming parental rights to decline vaccines for their children based on personal, religious, or philosophical beliefs without risk of exclusion or retaliation.
• Allowing limited exemptions for healthcare and federally regulated entities where vaccine requirements may be necessary due to funding rules or risk of disease transmission.

“It is essential for Michigan to keep defending individual rights,” said DeSana. “This proposal ensures that Michigan continues to protect people from unfair treatment based solely on their health choices. It’s time to make it clear that medical freedom is not negotiable.”