SAN JOSE, California – Dozens of people opposed to mandatory vaccines descended on San Jose city hall on Friday. Their rally protested against a new city ordinance that goes into effect on October 1.

A man with a megaphone shouted, “What do we want !? Freedom ! When do we want it ?! Now !

The work week ended with the presentation of the grievances of a hundred people.

“We don’t have a voice anymore. They’re making laws here that don’t even consider us,” said Sandy, a participant who declined to give her last name.

His “us” represents people opposed to a change in city policy. All San Jose employees are to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition or job, starting next month. Or, they face disciplinary action up to and including termination.

“We are going to move very slowly. I think we understand that there are people who have strong concerns. We have to address these concerns,” Mayor Sam Liccardo, D-San Jose said Thursday.

He said vaccinating everyone was the only way to get past the COVID pandemic.

“The mayor is wrong. I read all the science. If it was science, no one would shoot someone else,” said Alix Mayer, California chapter president of Children’s Health Defense.

More than 140 police officers in San José, half of the dispatchers and 80 firefighters agree. Most say they will walk or take a termination notice before they are forced to get the vaccine.

“If firefighters and police don’t want to get vaccinated, it’s our choice with our rights to liberty and privacy,” said Barry Arata, a San Jose firefighter. Added Gregg Z., the husband of an SJPD dispatcher, “We’re going to be out on the streets because the city wants us to take a vaccine that there isn’t enough information about.”

The struggle over who is right seems to be intensifying and tearing the cultural fabric apart. A motorist driving on East Santa Clara Street and passing the City Hall protest extended his middle finger towards the protesters.

“Much of what we see being made, primarily politically, but also in some of our social institutions fuels some of our natural fears,” said Dr Shaun Fletcher, associate professor of public relations at State University of San Jose. sports communication.

Police warn that fewer cops could equal more crime. City officials thwart non-compliance with escalating risks of COVID cases. And dozens of families fear having to choose between their finances and their faith.

“My heart, soul and passion will be taken away from me if I lose this job. I don’t want to lose my job, during a term,” Arata said.

The mayor said negotiations will continue throughout the weekend and into next week to find a solution. He promised that termination notices would not automatically be sent on October 1.