Beverly Hills firefighters label vaccine mandate ‘experimental gene modification’ in challenge

Two firefighters in Beverly Hills, Calif., are suing the city and Los Angeles County over its COVID-19 vaccine mandates for health care workers and first responders, labeling the vaccines “experimental gene modification therapies,” reports the Los Angeles Times. 

The lawsuit was filed Friday in Los Angeles superior court on behalf of Josh Sattley and Ettore Berardinelli Jr. It names the city of Beverly Hills, Councilman John Mirisch, Los Angeles County and County Health Officer Muntu Davis as defendants, according to the Times. 

The vaccine mandate requires health care workers and first responders to either show proof of vaccination or apply for a religious or medical exemption. The lawsuit claims the city does not have the power to issue such an order. 

“Firefighters and other first responders have served courageously throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” the plaintiffs’ attorney Scott Street said, according to the Times. “They were on the front lines when others sheltered in place. They earned the right to be heard but, in enforcing the County’s unlawful mandate, the City of Beverly Hills has largely ignored them and put politics before facts.”

Keith Sterling, chief communications officer for Beverly Hills, said “the work of emergency first responders puts them on the front lines of patient care,” reports the Times. 

“While we have not yet seen the lawsuit, the City remains committed to protecting the health of our residents and visitors during this ongoing pandemic,” he added. 

The Beverly Hills Firefighters Association said that it encourages members to be vaccinated against COVID-19 but maintains that it is a personal choice, reports the Times.

According to the lawsuit, eight of at least 22 firefighters who filed for religious exemption from vaccination were denied, including Sattley. Sattley continued to refuse vaccination and was placed on unpaid leave, and the city did not grant him the opportunity to challenge his suspension, which the lawsuit alleges violated his right to due process, the Times reported.