FAIRHOPE – Organizers of the Fairhope Film Festival have dropped a requirement that participants be vaccinated against COVID-19 after a question was raised whether the stipulation violated a state law.
In a statement Thursday, Barb Stassen, festival executive assistant, said vaccines would not be required for the event.
“We changed our policy when we realized we were out of step with state law, We look forward to everyone joining us this year,” she said in an email message.
At the last meeting of the Fairhope City Council on Monday, Oct. 11, resident Stephanie Durnin asked the city to rescind its sponsorship of the festival because vaccinations were being required. She said state law does not allow entities or businesses to refuse service to anyone based on their immunization record.
“The Fairhope Film Festival has listed on their website ‘guests entering ticketed events will need to show a vaccination card or a letter from a doctor stating you cannot take a vaccine,” she said. “I would ask the city to rescind their sponsorship of the Fairhope Film Festival until such time as come into compliance with state law.”
Durnin had also spoken out against a resolution passed by the council in August to provide incentives for city employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. At that time, she called the incentives a misuse of public money.
A statement on the festival’s website Sunday, Oct. 17 said the wearing of masks will be encouraged at film showings and social distancing will be practiced.
The festival is scheduled for Nov. 11 through 14. Stasson said movies will be announced and tickets will go on sale Nov. 1. Tickets can be purchased, and more information is available at the festival website, www.fairhopefilmfestival.org.
