Contentious New York Bill Tightens Vaccination Requirements (1)

Tearful pleas and screams from protesters punctuated a New York Assembly session as lawmakers approved a measure that means parents will no longer be able to refuse to vaccinate their children for religious, philosophical, or personal reasons.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) signed the measure June 13 shortly after it passed both chambers of the state Legislature.

“The science is crystal clear: Vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to keep our children safe,” Cuomo said in a statement announcing his action.

New York City and Rockland County both declared emergencies this year as the incidence of measles spread at ...