Sarasota Review

U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) has introduced the Guaranteeing Religious Accommodation in Childhood Education (GRACE) Act, a bill that seeks to prevent federal education funding from going to schools and educational agencies that do not allow religious exemptions for vaccine mandates.

“Freedom of speech and religion is the most sacred right guaranteed under our Constitution,” said Rep. Steube. “No student or their family should ever be coerced into sacrificing their faith or jumping through loopholes to comply with a vaccine requirement. The GRACE Act reaffirms our country’s commitment to protecting religious freedom in the classroom.”

The legislation would apply to elementary and secondary schools, as well as local and state educational agencies, barring them from receiving federal funds if they do not provide students with a religious exemption to vaccine requirements for participation in athletics and other activities.

Rep. Steube introduced the bill with 14 cosponsors: Reps. Mary Miller (R-Iowa), Dan Webster (R-Fla.), Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Barry Moore (R-Ala.), Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.), Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), Randy Weber (R-Texas), Rich McCormick (R-Ga.), Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.), Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), and Troy Downing (R-Mont.).

Support for the GRACE Act comes from over fifty organizations, including Moms for Liberty, Global Wellness Forum, Guiding the Impact, and Children’s Health Defense.

“I am profoundly grateful for Congressman Steube’s leadership in introducing this critical legislation. His steadfast commitment to parental rights, religious freedom, and equal educational opportunity exemplifies the values that have long defined our nation. Our nation was founded on the promise of liberty of conscience, and this legislation ensures that promise is protected for the next generation. No child in America should ever be denied the right to an education or equal opportunity because of their parents’ faith. To Make America Great Again, we must stand unwaveringly in defense of parental rights, religious freedom, and equal access to education for every family — and that begins with Congress passing the GRACE Act,” said Cait Corrigan, advocate for religious and medical freedom.

“Children’s Health Defense is grateful to Representative Steube for introducing the GRACE Act, landmark legislation to protect free exercise of religion. Four states — CA, NY, ME, CT — refuse to recognize the right to religious exemption from vaccination for school children, to the detriment of the children, their families, and their states. This Act provides incentive for these outlier states to join with the other 46 to protect the most vital right under the First Amendment of the US Constitution,” said Mary Holland, President of Children’s Health Defense.

“Moms for Liberty believes that parents have the right to raise their children how they see fit. The GRACE Act supports this by affirming parental rights, defending First Amendment freedoms, and promoting fair and equal access to education,” stated Moms for Liberty.

“I am deeply grateful for Congressman Steube’s leadership on the GRACE Act, and Guiding the Impact proudly supports his efforts to defend our God-given rights. This bill sends a powerful message that in America, no child should be denied a classroom seat because of their family’s faith. For generations, our nation has protected religious freedom as a cornerstone of democracy, and 45 states already demonstrate that it is possible to safeguard both public health and religious liberty. The GRACE Act ensures this balance is upheld nationwide,” said Elyse Young, Sarasota resident and founder of Guiding the Impact.

The full text of the bill is available online.