On Tuesday, South Dakota governor Kristi Noem signed an executive order effectively banning so-called vaccine passports in the state. The order bars all South Dakota government agencies and local municipalities from requiring citizens to carry proof of vaccinations in order to engage in everyday life. Noem joins Greg Abbot of Texas, Ron DeSantis of Florida, Greg Gianforte of Montana, Doug Ducey of Arizona, Brad Little of Idaho, and Spencer Cox of Utah — all Republicans — on the list of governors who have issued executive orders against such anti-freedom measures.
“Since the start of the COVID pandemic, we have provided the people of South Dakota with up to date science, facts and data and then trusted them to exercise their personal responsibility to make the best decisions for themselves and their loved ones,” Noem said. “We’ve resisted government mandates, and our state is stronger for it.”