Statement from Senator Kelly Townsend

Thursday, January 6, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement from Senator Kelly Townsend

"Last month I filed a 1487 complaint with the Attorney General's Office regarding Pima County's vaccination policy for certain existing employees and all new hires. Unlike the City of Tucson, Pima County doesn't dispute they are subject to A.R.S. § 23-206 - a statutory change I championed last year requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations for an employee's sincerely held religious belief that prevents their COVID-19 vaccination. Instead, the County alleges that it cannot provide reasonable accommodations in certain situations due to the hardship it would cause them, even though employers have successfully adjusted to accommodate COVID-19 in the workplace for nearly two years.

In talking with the Attorney General's Office, I understand their Civil Rights Division is equipped to dive into these fact-based inquiries. To that end, I'm requesting all Pima County employees that believe that they have been discriminated against for medical or religious reasons to file a complaint here. I am confident the AG will continue to investigate, and where appropriate prosecute, instances of personal freedom infringement across Arizona, including in Pima County.

Thank you for your help – I will continue to fight for an individual's right to make their own medical decisions."

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For more information, contact:

Kim Quintero

Director of Communications

Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus

Office phone number: 602-926-5418

kquintero@azleg.gov

www.azsenaterepublicans.com