The Cathedral of St. Joseph is seen in downtown Wheeling. (File Photo)

WHEELING — The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston said it is “monitoring” proposed legislation in the West Virginia Senate to weaken immunization requirements for all school-age children in the state.

A written statement provided by Tim Bishop, director of marketing and communications for the diocese, states, “We have always maintained our constitutional right to order our schools as we see fit in accord with our beliefs.”

Senate Bill 460, as introduced, would allow parents and guardians to object to the requirements of the state’s program for compulsory immunization of public and private school children by citing a religious or philosophical belief. The parent or guardian would be required to submit a written statement annually of their religious or philosophical objection to the required vaccines to the state health officer.

The bill, introduced on Feb. 13, came on the heels of an executive order issued last month by Gov. Patrick Morrisey allowing families to receive religious exemptions from required school vaccinations.

A recent amendment to SB 460 offered by Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Brooke, and Senate Minority Leader Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, that failed in a 10-21 vote on Tuesday would have allowed private, parochial and church schools to continue requiring students to abide by the state-required immunization program as long as doing so does not violate that religious entity’s beliefs.

Bishop provided additional information regarding the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston’s current compliance with West Virginia’s immunization requirements for all students. Local Catholic schools that fall under these compliance guidelines are Central Catholic High School, Corpus Christi School, Our Lady of Peace School, St. Michael Parish School and St. Vincent de Paul Parish School.

All children entering Catholic schools in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston for the first time must show proof of immunizations, according to the West Virginia Immunization Program Guidelines for Pre-Kindergarten programs and New School Enterers. Per state code, first-time students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade must show proof of immunization against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella and hepatitis B unless properly medically exempted.

Returning students at Catholic schools in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston must also show proof of the required immunizations for their respective grade level.