Monmouth County Lawmaker Writes Op-Ed Against Vaccine Passports

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — Northern Monmouth County state Senator Declan O'Scanlon (R-NJ 13) co-authored this editorial published in the Newark Star-Ledger Friday where he said the call by some for vaccine passports is based on "irrational fear."

Vaccine passports "offer little more than the illusion of safety," wrote O'Scanlon. "Our position is supported by a review of public health data, federal guidance on vaccinations, and the growing sentiment from health experts that COVID-19 is here to stay."

The state of New Jersey currently does not require anyone show a vaccine card to enter a business or restaurant, and Gov. Phil Murphy has given no indication of launching such a system. But Star Ledger columnist Tom Moran wrote this column Tuesday saying New Jersey should emulate New York City.

Moran called on Gov. Murphy to start mandating restaurants, gyms and theaters require proof of vaccine, as NYC does.

O'Scanlon said he deeply disagrees.

"While vaccinated people are likely infectious for less time, the risk of contagion is reduced, not eliminated," wrote O'Scanlon.

He also said people should be encouraged to get vaccinated out of their own free will, and pointed out that more than 6 million New Jersey residents are fully vaccinated.

Read the entire op-ed here: GOP lawmakers: We don’t need vaccine passports. They’re based on irrational fears. | Opinion

O'Scanlon wrote the editorial with NJ state Senator Steven Oroho (R-24), who represents the northwest corner of New Jersey (Sussex/Morris counties).

O'Scanlon represents NJ's thirteenth legislative district, which includes Aberdeen, Atlantic Highlands, Fair Haven, Hazlet, Highlands, Holmdel, Keansburg, Keyport, Little Silver, Marlboro, Middletown, Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Sea Bright, Rumson and Union Beach.

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