New Jersey Republicans defy COVID-19 mandate: ‘You have no right to stop us’
December 3, 2021 | New Jersey
Disorder and confusion erupted outside the New Jersey Assembly as several Republican lawmakers defied a new requirement to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test and were blocked — albeit briefly — by state troopers from entering the ornate chamber Thursday.
Ahead of an expected voting session, at least 10 Republicans strode toward the chamber on the first day the virus requirement was in effect. They were halted at the chamber door by uniformed troopers for about 10 minutes before entering without showing any vaccination proof or a negative test. Troopers stationed at the doorway declined to provide an explanation.
“You have no right to stop us,” Assembly member Erik Peterson said. “You see this? You see this, folks? Denying us entry into our house.”
“This is America,” Assembly member Hal Wirths added. Lawmakers compared the situation to something that might happen in a dictatorship…. (Excerpts from the Washington Times)
