DeSantis Says Florida Will Not Be Going Along with W.H.O. Treaty

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis reiterated his commitment to keeping Florida out of any so-called "Pandemic Treaty" with the World Health Organization.

"What Biden is trying to do with the W.H.O. to impose on our country, we are signing legislation that says none of that is applicable in Florida," said DeSantis at a Press Conference in Brooksville. "It's our choices, not their choices."

President Biden has entered into negotiations for the United States to enter into such a treaty with the World Health Organization. The Pandemic Treaty calls for redistribution of supplies from richer countries to poorer countries. Many think it could infringe on American sovereignty and attempt to impose global governance during a pandemic like Covid-19.

The Florida Legislature has passed a law ensuring local governments or educational institutions are prohibited from adopting W.H.O. policies without receiving proper approval from the Florida Legislature.

DeSantis has said he will sign the bill into law, which contains a provision entitled "International health organization policies"

The bill states: "A governmental entity or an educational institution may not adopt, implement, or enforce an international health organization’s public health policies or guidelines unless authorized to do so under state law, rule, or executive order issued by the Governor."

Some have expressed concern about the wording of the bill, but it does not grant the State or governor any more authority than they already have to adopt W.H.O. policies. In other words, no new authority is granted by this clause. Authority is limited.

DeSantis has consistently stated Florida would not go along with a W.H.O. Pandemic Treaty.

"In Florida we will not support this. That's not going to happen. No way," said DeSantis.