Congressional Debate Between Scotty Moore and Darren Soto Canceled Due to Moore’s Vaccination Status: ‘I Believe in Medical Freedom’

ORLANDO (FLV) – Republican candidate for Florida’s 9th Congressional District Scotty Moore said a television debate with Democrat U.S. Rep. Darren Soto was canceled because of Moore did not receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Moore campaign showed up at the WESH 2 Orlando television station Thursday morning to pre-record a debate when Moore said he found out about the vaccination requirement.

“Today, WESH 2 Orlando cancelled the debate between Darren Soto and myself for what they cited as my being unvaccinated. Not only are liberal government politicians pushing mandates upon us, now woke corporate America is doing the same,” Moore said. “I believe in medical freedom, and I believe my voice, political or otherwise, should not be silenced for refusing to adhere to this unproven vaccine.”

Moore said he offered to take COVID-19 rapid test and suggested the debate be held outside but neither were agreed upon.

“I will debate Darren Soto in person any time, any place and believe this public discourse is fundamental to our democracy,” Moore said.

He said the general manager offered for Moore to join virtually.

“You cannot replace the feel of face to face conversations,” he said. “Life is not meant to live in virtually.”

Florida’s Voice reached out to WESH 2 for a comment. The station said in a statement “the debate rules and vaccine requirements were defined and provided to Mr. Moore and his team well in advance.”

The station said the vaccine requirement is “standard” for those participating in the debate and requested the campaigns reschedule to a virtual forum.

“Mr. Moore declined our offer for a virtual debate,” the statement said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated their guidance in August, which removed much of the distinction between those who are vaccinated and unvaccinated. The new guidelines made recommendations on quarantine and prevention equal between unvaccinated and vaccinated people.

That is one reason why Moore explained he was shocked to be required to receive a vaccine requirement in order to enter a Florida business.

“When is this madness going to end?” Moore told Florida’s Voice. “I think the shocker is that it’s corporate America, woke corporate America is still continuing to rule the lives and rule over everyday Americans.”

Congressional District 9 includes Osceola County and parts of Orange and Polk Counties.

Moore has worked with a Christian non-profit for more than 20 years. Darren Soto is an attorney who was elected to Congress in 2016.