Loychik Joins Effort Prohibiting Mandated 'Vaccine Passports'

State Rep. Mike Loychik (R-Bazetta) has cosponsored legislation that will prohibit “vaccine passports.” The term has recently come into the spotlight amid the pandemic and is known for entities requiring citizens to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination in order to be allowed entry into an area or establishment.

“First and foremost, vaccine passports have no place in a free society,” said Loychik. “Simultaneously, while everyone has a right to get a vaccine, a massive adoption of vaccine passports both across our state and nation would only lead to a slow economic recovery and further hinder businesses as we all seek to get back to normal.”

Within the nation, New York is the first state to announce a vaccine passport program. Loychik acknowledges that the legislation is about people’s rights.

“We’re taking steps to protect people’s rights here in Ohio,” Loychik added. “The last thing we should do is follow Andrew Cuomo and New York to implement this type of mandated program.”

The legislation is currently seeking cosponsors within the Ohio House.