Faith Under Fire | Hawaii’s Marginalized Religions

OPINION 

The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) recently issued a letter urging parents under religious exemption to vaccinate their children against measles. This came shortly after the failure of a bill that sought to remove religious exemptions for school-aged children. The cold communication magnifies a growing atmosphere in Hawaii where the government aims to redefine personal freedoms and impose its will on children and families. I don't think our representatives understand the meanings of the simple words they use. Terms like “religious” and “exemption” seem to go way over their heads. Let’s break it down:

Understanding Exemptions

Definition: The state of being free from an obligation or liability imposed by others.

Why do we need exemptions? Because our constitutional rights were taken away. The Hawaiian government has already taken your right to make medical decisions for your children away should you wish to participate in state-funded educational systems. Never fear; they've made permission slips you can obtain. They're heroes when you think about it. The only reason the exemptions exist is because they know their mandates are unconstitutional. This is the classic Hegelian Dialectic where the government sticks us in the same problem-reaction-solution cycle over and over.

By stripping away fundamental rights under the guise of “public health”, the government creates a facade of protection while in reality disregarding our freedoms. The bar is lowered with each legislative session and each new “emergency” mandate. All efforts to limit or eliminate exemptions are a direct assault on what little remains of our constitutional rights. 

The DOH's insistence on vaccinations, especially toward those who have religious convictions, raises serious red flags for Hawaii’s leadership. This selective granting of rights sets a dangerous precedent, allowing authorities to dictate who “qualifies” for inherent liberties. In a society that touts “inclusivity”, such overreach is alarming. It shifts the focus from safeguarding universal rights (the government’s very purpose) to a power dynamic where rights are granted or revoked at their discretion.

Understanding “Religious”

Definition:  A strong commitment to beliefs, practices, and/or moral codes. 

The government's approach shows troubling disregard for religious beliefs and practices. The State has encroached on the sacred relationship between individuals and their faith. They seem intolerant, or at the very least insensitive of individuals dedicated to their moral convictions. Authorities fail to recognize the genuine nature of religious convictions as they undermine the very purpose of religious freedom. This lack of empathy is particularly harmful to marginalized religious groups whose beliefs are often subject to scrutiny and misunderstanding. Insensitivity trivializes the experiences of individuals who may already face discrimination and stigmatization. 

Their oh-so-kind letter to parents suggests they have no convictions themselves, making it hard to relate. They must think parents are just being stubborn: 

“Accordingly, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) is preparing emergency rules that, for the 120 days that emergency rules can be in effect, a child with a religious exemption can receive the vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and retain their religious exemption.”

Hawaii Governor Josh Green

Green is missing the point. Parents are using religious exemptions because they believe it’s the right thing to do. His letter seems like he’s telling parents, “It’s okay to go against your faith, I will look away this once.”  I hate to break it to you Governor, but you are not the god they answer to!

Your attempts to pull at the heartstrings of the religious are wholly out of touch. Their hearts are not dedicated to Big Pharma or to the State’s perceived authorities. 

The outright refusal to recognize the significance of faithful dedication to moral values is unacceptable. It subverts all compassion and understanding that should guide our interactions as Americans. The government’s recent letter and ongoing pressure only serve to alienate families and deepen their distrust. Our government should honor the diverse tapestry of beliefs that contribute to our collective identity. 

Quality Recieves Reward

Statistics show a substantial increase in non-medical exemptions in Hawaii. The rate of non-medical immunization exemptions more than doubled from 2.5% in the 2015-2016 school year to 5.3% in the 2023-2024 school year. 

It’s clear the market demand for vaccinations is dwindling. Generally speaking, when there’s a good product being sold by a quality company, purchases increase. Perhaps that is one of the issues the State is concerned about. Are physicians losing money by not selling as many vaccines? Is Governor Green worried that his recommended appropriations for vaccinating Hawaii will not make good on their investments?

If parents want to vaccinate their children for some or all illnesses, that is their prerogative and they should not be required to report their choices. 

The Role of Government

Individuals must retain the freedom to make choices based on their beliefs without government interference. The role of government should be limited to safeguarding our rights, not eliminating them. Pushing for vaccinations, especially following failed attempts to remove religious exemptions, is a clear case of government overreach that must be challenged.

The DOH's approach shows their desire for increasing control. Instead of encouraging open discussions and diverse perspectives, state officials are quick to label vaccine-hesitant parents as threats to public health. Governments should never resort to coercive or manipulative tactics. This turns Hawaii into a place where fear and compliance supersede inherent rights and moral values. 

The recent actions of the DOH and the Hawaii state legislature should alarm anyone who values individual freedom and religious liberty. Relationships between an individual and their faith are sacred and must remain free from regulation. The incessant pressure from state officials is uncalled for. When Hawaii begins to dictate personal health choices, it crosses a dangerous line that threatens our Constitutional liberties and ultimately our livelihoods.