Posted: Aug. 19, 2021
Sister Deirdre Byrne, M.D. -- who became famous last year for defending Donald Trump in her nun's habit at the Republican National Convention -- is now spreading lies about the COVID-19 vaccines.
Earlier this month, Byrne spoke at the "Stop the Shot" conference, a right-wing event designed to spread "faith-based" falsehoods about COVID-19. Later that day, she told a far-right website that COVID-19 vaccines are "diabolic," falsely linking them to abortion as part of some "battle between Our Lord and the devil."
Byrne is not only a nun but also a retired Army surgeon with multiple honorary degrees. She abuses these credentials to give a veneer of credibility to her COVID-19 misinformation -- lies that fly in the face of all research science and undermine multiple inspiring pro-vaccine statements from Pope Francis.
Catholic schools Villanova University and the University of St. Thomas both gave Byrne honorary doctorates before she became known for her anti-science rhetoric. Both schools are also now pushing students to get vaccinated.
If enough grassroots Catholics, other Christians, and allies bring Byrne's recent remarks to their attention, these pro-vaccine schools might agree to revoke her honorary degrees -- thus reducing her credibility and her anti-science platform.
Sign the petition:
Love thy neighbor.