To the surprise of no one, an event called “the Anti-Mandate March for Choice” involved the participation of police officers.
The demonstration on Monday, as reported by Gothamist, marked an unfortunately expected response to the recently announced mandate requiring all municipal workers to get the (completely safe and effective and free) COVID-19 vaccine.
Per reports, thousands—including a “large presence” of cops and firefighters—joined in on Monday’s proceedings, which saw the vaccine-averse group marching on City Hall and “shutting down” the Brooklyn Bridge. As one might expect, a slew of American flags were also on display. As one might also expect, Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa was also on hand.
In similarly embarrassing news, the largest police union in NYC has also sued over the mandate. Per the New York Times, the Police Benevolent Association of New York filed the suit in Staten Island with the aim of having a judge rule that unvaccinated cops can continue on the job.
Last week, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all municipal workforce employees including police officers, firefighters, and more. As part of the mandate, which is effective Nov. 1 for the majority of workers, those who still refuse to get vaccinated will be placed on unpaid leave.
“We have led the way against COVID-19—from fighting for the right to vaccinate frontline workers, to providing nation-leading incentives, to creating the Key to NYC mandate,” de Blasio said last week. “As we continue our recovery for all of us, city workers have been a daily inspiration. Now is the time for them to show their city the path out of this pandemic once and for all.”
Despite the coverage you may have seen (and may continue to see) regarding this week’s anti-vaccine demonstrations, don’t get it twisted. COVID-19 vaccines are—it’s again worth repeating—safe, effective, and free. If you still haven’t done so, click here to make a local appointment.
