A Senator in Ireland has said that the government should consider banning those without a vaccine passport from public transportation and supermarkets, in one of the most extreme Covid proposals to date.
“Why not supermarkets? Why not public transport?” Senator Gerry Horkan asked. “I know it is difficult to police some of these things, but really, if you want to participate in society, you need to be vaccinated.”
While addressing the senate, Horkan said: “Here we are on 23rd November and the month of December is traditionally the most important for the licensed trade and hospitality business, at between 2.5 and three times the normal month. It is not like closing in March, November or October. It is a significant month. Of course, we have to have balance and of course we have to make sure we are safe, but it is so important that we encourage people…
“As others have said, vaccine certificates should be required for entry into gyms and hairdressers. Why not introduce such a requirement for supermarkets and public transport? I know it is difficult to police some of these things, but really, if people want to participate in society, they need to be vaccinated. If they do not want to participate in society, that is okay. They can stay at home; that is their business. However, unvaccinated people are putting themselves, their families, the rest of us and the economy at risk. None of us wants a lockdown. It is in all of our hands to behave as best we can. We can socialize safely. If people are vaccinated, it is unlikely to do them too much harm if they do not have a pre-existing condition.
“I ask the Leader to organize a proper discussion of this issue. New communities may not be as tuned into mainstream media, newspapers and radio. Let us ensure all are aware of the benefits of vaccination.”
Horkan’s remarks stirred backlash on social media.
One Twitter user wrote: “When you propose that the unvaccinated should be banned from feeding themselves you are advocating for genocide.”
