PENNSYLVANIA (WHTM) – Most people have received their COVID-19 vaccines – most, but not all, according to state figures. There is growing pressure on the unvaccinated to get vaccinated, but one state lawmaker has called it anti-American and wants to ban employers from firing or disciplining those who retire.

Senator Doug Mastriano (R), who represents Adams, Cumberland, Franklin and York counties, has proposed a bill that would prohibit the state and employers from forcing workers to get vaccinated. Protesters gathered at the State Capitol on Tuesday to support Mastriano’s bill and oppose current and potential state and federal mandates on vaccines.

“The fact that I have to propose legislation for medical freedom just disgusts me. It should be obvious that you have that choice, ”said Matriano.

“It’s just tyranny in another form, isn’t it?” It’s a sad day that we have to stay here and fight for our medical freedom in America, ”said Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Clinton / Center).

Husband and wife airline pilots with six children spoke at the rally. They were put on unpaid leave for not having been vaccinated and they are suing. “We need to be given reasonable accommodation, and that’s all we’re asking for,” they said.

There are also fears that healthcare workers and emergency personnel will quit if they are forced to get vaccinated.

“When you call 911 and no one answers the phone, what are you going to do? Rep. Dawn Keefer (R-York / Cumberland) said.

State Representative Mary Isaacson, a Democrat from Philadelphia, said the health of Pennsylvanians should be the first task of lawmakers.

“We have vaccines to make sure we have a safe society. And for those who don’t want to be vaccinated, you can stay at home, you shouldn’t be in society spreading disease, ”Isaacson said.

But Mastriano says it should be up to individuals, not lawmakers. “It’s not about the vaccine, it’s about your choice. Informed consent or informed denial is that simple, ”Mastriano said.

In a statement, the governor’s office reiterated that the state has a vaccine or testing policy and vaccine incentive program, but not a vaccine mandate. He called Mastriano’s bill devoid of meaning and ideology.