By: Mary Virginia Huffaker
On the evening of November 5th, the public hearing for the 2020 Youth Legislature Conference occurred when Kareena Singh from the Montgomery Academy Delegation was called into the court to defend the constitutionality of her bill.
Singh’s bill, #135, is titled “Redefining Religious Exemptions for Vaccines”. The bill would require people to have proof of religion or church membership to receive vaccine exemptions. Delegate Singh had 10 minutes to defend the constitutionality of her bill during which Supreme Court Justices asked questions.
The Attorney General, Isabella Hosein, questioned the constitutionality of Delegate Singh’s bill. Arguing that this bill directly violates the 1st amendment of the United States, saying this bill hinders the right for all religions to practice freely. The AG had 10 minutes to argue against the constitutionality of the bill while justices asked questions.
After riveting debate, time ran out on the attorney general and Chief Justice Samad Gallani sent the justices into deliberation. The results of this case will be announced at the awards ceremony on Sunday November 8th at 8pm.