With the city of Los Angeles enforcing a new indoor COVID-19 vaccine order on Monday, hundreds gathered at city hall in protest of it and other mandates.

A group called “Firefighters 4 Freedom” were among the demonstration’s organizers, with first responders for LAPD, the L.A. County Sheriff’s Dept. and LAFD members also present.

First responders have pushed back against the vaccine mandates of late, seeking exemptions, transfers to departments outside of L.A., and retirement options.

The Firefighters 4 Freedom organization has also filed a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles that read, “Your attempt to coerce thousands of city employees, including firefighters into getting a medical treatment they do not want violates the law in many ways.”


The protest was not solely against the latest vaccine mandate, but also mask mandates, and city/county mandates requiring municipal employees to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19, or risk termination.

Surrounded by American flags and protest signs, the mostly maskless crowd called the mask and vaccine mandates “tyranny,” with a notable group of firefighters holding a sign reading, “Firemen deserve medical choice not unemployment.”


Employees for the city of Los Angeles have until Dec. 18 to show proof of full vaccination after a deadline extension.

The vaccine mandate that went into effect Nov. 7 requires Los Angeles businesses to ask for proof of vaccinations to enter gyms, restaurants, bars and several other indoor settings.

 

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