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James Uthmeier Threatens to Cut Funding from Catholic Schools Over Vaccine Exemptions

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has issued a formal warning to Catholic schools, stating that they must provide religious exemptions for vaccinations to remain eligible for state educational scholarship programs. In a letter sent to the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, Uthmeier argued that Catholic doctrine does not prohibit religious exemptions, as the Church does not teach that vaccines produced in cell lines from aborted fetuses are intrinsically evil. Uthmeier emphasized that because these schools accept taxpayer-funded vouchers, they should comply with state law requiring religious exemptions. The Archdiocese of Miami noted that over 95 percent of its Catholic school students receive these scholarships. While the American Academy of Pediatrics advocates for mandatory immunizations, Uthmeier's move highlights the tension between state mandates and religious practice. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops is currently reviewing the letter and plans to respond by August 7. This move underscores the principle that when a school accepts government funding, it becomes subject to government requirements.

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