Bryant defends parental rights

Continuing her efforts to put an end to continued government overreach at the hands of Governor JB Pritzker, State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) has filed a Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment (SJRCA 12) to protect the rights of Illinois parents.

SJRCA 12 adds a new section to the Illinois Bill of Rights by stating that parents’ right to determine their child’s education and healthcare shall not be infringed prior to the child’s attainment of the age of majority.

“This legislation seeks to preserve a parents’ decision-making authority regarding their child’s education and healthcare,” said Sen. Bryant. “Throughout this pandemic, we’ve seen countless examples of the government’s disregard for the rights of Illinois parents. Enough is enough. Parents have a right to be involved and to have a say in the education and wellbeing of their child.”

For months, Republican lawmakers have been critical of Governor Pritzker’s ongoing unilateral, one-size-fits-all approach to the state’s response to the health crisis and mitigation efforts. Most recently, he has come under fire from many parents and schoolboards for his recent mask and vaccine mandates placed on students, teachers, and staff.

“Throughout this entire pandemic the governor has continued to exclude other lawmakers, local leaders and parents in his pandemic response,” said Sen. Bryant. “SJRCA 12 is a proactive step to put an end to his ongoing record of overstepping his authority, and to take a stand against any future attempts to cut parents out of decisions impacting the health, future and wellbeing of their children.”

SJRCA 12 was filed on August 31.

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