Florida GOP Files Complaint Against WESH-2 News for Requiring Candidates Provide COVID Vaccination Documents to Debate
ORLANDO (FLV) – The Republican Party of Florida and Congressional District 9 candidate Scotty Moore filed a complaint against WESH-2 News after the television station required candidates provide vaccine documentation in order to enter the studios for a political debate.
Republican nominee Scotty Moore was set to debate his opponent, Democrat U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, in a pre-recorded debate Sept. 8 at the Orlando station’s television studio. However, Moore said he could not debate because he did not have the COVID-19 vaccine.
“WESH-2 has adopted the COVID corporate policy of its parent company, Hearst Television, which violates section 381.00316, Florida Statutes. We ask that you immediately investigate WESH-2’s COVID policy, and if it is found to be in violation of Florida law, take appropriate action,” the complaint said.
Under Florida law, businesses in Florida are prohibited from requiring patrons or customers to provide any documentation certifying COVID-19 vaccination or post-transmission recovery to gain access to, entry upon, or service from the business. The complaint said the Moore campaign received an email saying, “our parent company, Hearst Television, requires all employees and guests to be vaccinated against COVID 19. Additionally, all guests must sign a Health Waiver for entry into the building.”
“The decision by WESH-2 to cancel the Congressional District 9 debate because of a candidate’s vaccination status is discriminatory, unlawful and will not be ignored by the Republican Party of Florida,” RPOF Chairman Joe Gruters said.
The complaint was filed with the Florida Department of Health Thursday, which will investigate the claims and proceed with any necessary legal action.
“I really believe that medical freedom matters. The governor signed into law and said there shouldn’t be any vaccine passports,” Moore said. “This is something that should not happen. We’re not going back to 2020. We’re moving forward.”
Florida’s Voice has not yet received a response from WESH-2 News and will update if one is provided. On Sept. 8, the station said in a statement that the debate rules and vaccine requirements were provided to the candidates beforehand for all debates.
“Upon arrival for the scheduled debate this morning, we learned Mr. Moore and some members of his campaign did not meet the requirements. We immediately offered both campaigns to reschedule the debate to a virtual form,” the statement said. “Mr. Soto was prepared to debate in-person today and has agreed to a virtual debate. Late today, Mr. Moore declined our offer for a virtual debate.”
Moore did not accept the virtual invitation to debate “due to the severe limitations of virtual debates and the discriminatory nature in which this offer was made solely based on his personal vaccination status.” Instead, he suggested taking a COVID-19 rapid test or having the debates outside.
The Republican Party of Florida said another candidate was not allowed to enter WESH-2’s television studios for a debate because of the vaccine requirement.
