Attorney vows to protect BK residents who choose not to vaccinate

Lawyer Michael Sussman says people should not be forced to go against their religion.

News 12 Staff

Apr 12, 2019, 2:47 AM

Updated 1,841 days ago

Share:

Mayor Bill de Blasio is calling the measles outbreak a public health emergency, but one lawyer disagrees and is vowing to fight for residents who choose not to vaccinate their kids.

Mayor de Blasio is taking action by requiring Brooklyn residents living in certain zip codes to get vaccinated or face fines.

Lawyer Michael Sussman calls the mayor's plan executive overreach and says the rules are forcing people to go against their religion.

"My hope is we have a rational, reasonable discussion," says Sussman. "We don't call something an epidemic, which is not an epidemic. We don't scare people. It's up to a judge how fast he or she can hear the matter and dispose of the matter."

Neighborhoods with a large Orthodox population like Williamsburg could face fines of up to $1,000 for failing to vaccinate their children.

Officials say the city health department will try to interview Williamsburg residents diagnosed with measles and everyone they have come in contact with.

Mayor de Blasio says he is confident that the city's vaccination order will pass any legal challenge.


More from News 12
1:29
Teen patients at Montefiore celebrate annual prom for first time since pandemic

Teen patients at Montefiore celebrate annual prom for first time since pandemic

1:55
Tracking some weekend rain, summer-like Sunday temperatures

Tracking some weekend rain, summer-like Sunday temperatures

1:55
Authorities: 41-year-old man killed by his own dog in Longwood

Authorities: 41-year-old man killed by his own dog in Longwood

1:40
Bronx residents say elevator has been out of service for weeks

Bronx residents say elevator has been out of service for weeks

2:03
Home Depot customers weigh in on recent stretch of bad encounters

Home Depot customers weigh in on recent stretch of bad encounters

2:13
MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

0:56
Bronx nature-lovers celebrate arrival of cherry blossoms

Bronx nature-lovers celebrate arrival of cherry blossoms

0:30
Coney Island named a top 25 U.S. beach in Travel + Leisure

Coney Island named a top 25 U.S. beach in Travel + Leisure

1:46
NYPD: 2nd suspect linked to killing of 17-year-old in Morrisania at large

NYPD: 2nd suspect linked to killing of 17-year-old in Morrisania at large

1:43
See what's happening across the Bronx the weekend of April 27-28

See what's happening across the Bronx the weekend of April 27-28

1:59
6-year-old girl from the Bronx making, selling custom T-shirts for Mother's Day

6-year-old girl from the Bronx making, selling custom T-shirts for Mother's Day

0:29
Where to drop off your prescription drugs safely in the Bronx for National Take Back Day

Where to drop off your prescription drugs safely in the Bronx for National Take Back Day

0:27
Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

1:55
Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

0:24
Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

2:03
Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

1:34
MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:30
Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

1:35
NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train