WHEREAS the First Amendment of the United States Constitution reads: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances,” and, WHEREAS Article I, Section 16 of the Constitution of Virginia reads: “…No man…shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burdened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but all men shall be free to profess and by argument to maintain their opinions in matters of religion, and the same shall in nowise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities...” NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Virginia Department of Health will uphold, to the full extent of the powers vested in it, the rights ensured and protected by the Constitutions of the United States and Virginia, including the right to decline vaccinations.