Governor Abbott’s Dubious Executive Order Prohibiting Compelled Vaccination

On Monday, Texas governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order that has been described by his staff as “prohibiting vaccine mandates” by even private businesses — i.e., as a prohibition on vaccination as a condition of employment. Literally, however, the order does not do that. It merely states that no one can force another person to be vaccinated, which is a different thing.

The operative part of Abbott’s order follows a series of “whereas” clauses that lay out why the governor has decided to take action. One of these does indeed complain that “in yet another instance of federal overreach, the Biden Administration is now bullying many private entities into imposing COVID-19 vaccine mandates.” This, he says, is “causing workforce disruptions” and contributing to the fear many Texans have about “losing their livelihoods.” Those most worried are Texans who object to being vaccinated “for reasons of personal conscience, based on a religious belief, or for medical reasons, including prior recovery from COVID-19.”

About the Author

Andrew C. McCarthy

Andrew C. McCarthy is a senior fellow at National Review Institute, an NR contributing editor, and author of Ball of Collusion: The Plot to Rig an Election and Destroy a Presidency.

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On Monday, Texas governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order that has been described by his staff as “prohibiting vaccine mandates” by even private businesses — i.e., as a prohibition on vaccination as a condition of employment. Literally, however, the order does not do that. It merely states that no one can force another person to be vaccinated, which is a different thing.

The operative part of Abbott’s order follows a series of “whereas” clauses that lay out why the governor has decided to take action. One of these does indeed complain that “in yet another instance of federal overreach, the Biden Administration is now bullying many private entities into imposing COVID-19 vaccine mandates.” This, he says, is “causing workforce disruptions” and contributing to the fear many Texans have about “losing their livelihoods.” Those most worried are Texans who object to being vaccinated “for reasons of personal conscience, based on a religious belief, or for medical reasons, including prior recovery from COVID-19.”

About the Author

Andrew C. McCarthy

Andrew C. McCarthy is a senior fellow at National Review Institute, an NR contributing editor, and author of Ball of Collusion: The Plot to Rig an Election and Destroy a Presidency.