The Ramsey City Council last week introduced an ordinance that would make it illegal for the northwest metro city to force employees or contractors doing business with the city to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
The ordinance, if it takes effect, also would make it a misdemeanor to deny employment or prevent access to city services based on one's vaccination status. It also would extend to any future health emergency.
"This covers anything down the road," said Council Member Chelsee Howell. "I don't want the council member from Ward 2 making medical decisions for my next-door neighbor or the people a block over. It puts teeth behind things."
The ordinance still needs a second reading and approval by the council before it would be amended into city code.
Before introducing the ordinance, the council on a 5-2 vote approved a resolution opposing government-mandated vaccines and that inoculation should be a voluntary personal decision.
Neither pieces of legislation specifically addresses masks, but the resolution states the city will "neither prohibit nor require the wearing of face masks" on city property or while interacting with city employees or third parties such as contractors.
Council Member Dan Specht supported the resolution and ordinance saying it would help ensure nondiscrimination. The resolution stands up for individual rights and liberties, he said.
"It is not for city government to tell somebody how to handle medical decisions," he said. "We are not forcing anybody to have treatment."
