State representative shares memes criticizing COVID-19 vaccines

A Republican state representative received backlash after sharing several memes making fun of COVID-19 vaccinations. The Bleeding Heartland community blog first reported the memes Thursday.The memes, shared by Rep. Ray ‘Bubba’ Sorensen, include suggestions that conservatives should not get a COVID-19 vaccine because it will cause liberals to “stay away from them” and that so-called vaccine conspiracy theorists are more accurate than journalists.Democrat Sen. Claire Celsi said Sorensen should stop making light of a deadly issue.“He’s a public elected official,” Celsi said. “He should know better that people are looking to him for an example and advice. When you share things that are denigrating vaccinations or making it seem like people are not doing the right thing by getting vaccinated, it really is truly disturbing.”Sorensen did not want to comment on camera, but said in his newsletter, “They took my memes for meaning that I was somehow an anti-vaxxer or uncaring. They are not intended to offend anyone or make an official statement. they’re intended to make you laugh.” He went on to say he believes in science and is grateful for vaccines.

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