SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Senate has approved a plan to preserve ramifications for those who refuse to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The Democratic-controlled chamber voted 31-24 Thursday night for a COVID carve-out of the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act.

It was approved in the 1970s initially to protect physicians refusing to perform abortions. But Democrats say it’s being used improperly in lawsuits by those fired from jobs for refusing to be vaccinated.

Republicans say it’s a violation of a right set by law and Gov. J.B. Pritzker needs it because he can’t get support for his pandemic mitigation plan.