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Covid vaccine: Why public health interests may outweigh religious freedom

The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils also signalled its "profound concern" over the use of foetal tissue in vaccine development.

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COVID-19 is not the first time the government has had to decide whether or not to limit freedom of religion in favour of public health outcomes.

Renae Barker | The Conversation

5 min read Last Updated : Aug 26 2020 | 12:15 PM IST

Religious objections to vaccinations have been around almost as long as vaccinations themselves.

This week, three leading Australian religious figures have written to Prime Minister Scott Morrison outlining ethical concerns they have with the potential COVID-19 vaccine being developed at Oxford University.

The three Sydney archbishops are concerned the vaccine utilises a cell line derived from an aborted foetus. In their letter, they say the use of this cell line

will raise serious issues of conscience for a proportion of the population.

Today, the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils also signalled its “profound concern” over

Topics : Coronavirus Coronavirus Vaccine Australia Indonesia religious freedom Fatwa

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