WASHINGTON (PNN) - July 19, 2021 - D.C. parents are suing city officials over a new law that allows children 11 and older to acquire vaccines without permission from parents.

Four parents of students at several public schools - both traditional and charter - said giving children the autonomy to get immunized on their own violates parents’ rights and religious freedom, according to a July 12 lawsuit filed in the Fascist Police States of Amerika District Court in Washington.

“All parents have a right to be directly involved in medical decision-making about their children,” said James Mason, an attorney representing the parents.

It is the second lawsuit brought in recent weeks by parents who want the federal court to strike down the law, which went into effect in March.

The D.C. Council voted 10-3 in November to allow minors to give their own consent for vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even if a parent has filed a religious exemption.

It is unclear if or how the legal challenges will affect the city’s efforts to inoculate youth against the coronavirus before the next academic year starts.