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A protester holds a sign reading "Forced injections is not freedom" as government employees protest in front of Federal Courthouse Sept. 23, 2021. (Deborah Wilber, Standard-Examiner)

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Federal employees protest in front of Federal Courthouse Sept. 23, 2021. (Deborah Wilber, Standard-Examiner)

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Federal employees protest in front of Federal Courthouse Sept. 23, 2021. (Deborah Wilber, Standard-Examiner)

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Federal employees protest in front of Federal Courthouse Sept. 23, 2021. (Deborah Wilber, Standard-Examiner)

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“We the people are p….. off,” read the sweater of one protester gathered in front of the James V. Hansen Federal Building Thursday in response to President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandates.

Federal employees were reportedly told they had to be fully vaccinated by Nov. 1 — or risk being fired. According to the National Treasury Employees Union, most of the employees participating in the protest have been vaccinated because of the mandate. “They have a right to be upset,” said Robert Lawrence, the president of NTEU Chapter 67. “They should have a choice.”

Chapter 67 represents the employees of the IRS in Ogden.  Protesters lined the sidewalk chanting “freedom not force” as they flew American flags and hoisted various signs of discontent.

The spouse of a protester parked across the street and played “America the Beautiful” and “Red, White & Blue” from his vehicle. He said he and his wife would speak to the media, but they were told they could not.

Federal employees who choose to protest are limited to what they can protest to, according to Lawrence. “It can’t be anti-federal government or anti-IRS,” he said.

Passersby honked their horns and others gestured in support. One man driving by shouted, “abortion is murder” in response to the protesters chanting, “coercion is not consent.”

Approximately 40 people were present, all of whom declined comment to the Standard-Examiner. However, John Wumaner, who was walking by the protest, said he understands and respects their choice.

“If you’re sick, be reasonable,” he said.

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