Joe.My.God. LGBT News
The Louisiana Illuminator reports:
Dozens of anti-vaccine bills have died in the Louisiana Legislature since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but ultra-conservative lawmakers are gearing up for another fight. In the process, truth has become a major casualty. In two days of hearings last week on the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the House heard hours of testimony from doctors with fringe views on the COVID-19 virus. They included the state’s Surgeon General Ralph Abraham, who himself amplified misinformation.
Abraham’s deputy surgeon general, ophthalmologist Dr. Wyche Coleman III, touted the debunked theory that childhood vaccinations cause autism. “You could probably fill Tiger Stadium with moms who have kids that were normal one day, got a vaccine and were then autistic after,” Coleman told lawmakers. When asked if he was concerned the negative talk on vaccines could discourage people from getting vaccinated, committee chair Rep. Jay Gallé, R-Covington, replied, “So what if it does?”
Read the full article.
Abraham, a former US House rep and veterinarian, was appointed in July by Gov. Jeff Landry as Louisiana’s first-ever surgeon general. Abraham served three terms in the House, opting not to run again in 2020.
Of note, the Republican who won the race to succeed him, Jeff Letlow, died of COVID before taking office.
Abraham had endorsed Letlow, whose widow Julia Letlow won the special election to fill the seat.
Dozens of anti-vaccine bills have died in the Louisiana Legislature since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but ultra-conservative lawmakers are gearing up for another fight. Analysis from @ByPiperHutch #lalege https://t.co/L8nUf5ZILX
— Louisiana Illuminator (@IlluminatorLA) October 2, 2024