STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

More and more universities and cruise lines are demanding that students and passengers get vaccinated before they return to campus or sail the Seven Seas.

But Idaho Gov. Brad Little isn’t having any of it.

Little announced Wednesday afternoon that he is signing an executive order banning state and government entities from requiring proof of vaccination to do business.

“Vaccine passports create a different class of citizens and restrict the free flow of commerce during a time when life and the economy are returning to normal,” Little said. “Idahoans should be given the choice to get the vaccine.”

That said, Little called the availability of a safe and effective COVID vaccine “a game changer” and thanked the 500,000 Idahoans who have chosen to get the vaccine. He added that the more Idahoans get vaccinated the sooner life will return to normal.

“Half a million Idahoans have received the vaccine because it’s safe and it works,” he said. “The COVID vaccine has been tested and is proved to be safe and effective.”

A few other governors, including Gov. Brad Abbott of Texas, have also nixed vaccination passports.