A fundamental principle of our democracy is the tripartite system of government "of the people, by the people and for the people." One of the clearest examples of that democratic system in action is the unfolding of Connecticut's approach to House Bill 6423 and Senate Bill 568 to eliminate the religious exemption as a basis for a parent to refuse to vaccinate a child.

The bill initially referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health on in early February was the subject of vigorous debate among legislators. Numerous citizens and groups submitted testimony to the Legislature for consideration in a public hearing held on February 6, 2021. The stated purpose of that law is to ensure adequate and appropriate immunizations of children. The immunizations listed in the law include; diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella, haemophilus influenzae type B and any other vaccine required by the schedule for active immunization adopted pursuant to section 19a-7f. Of particular concern to the thousands of individuals and many organizations and groups opposed to the bill is the erasure of the religious exemption. The medical exemption remains in place.