AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) Opponents of a law that eliminates philosophical and religious exemptions for state-mandated vaccines are casting an upcoming referendum as a battle of Big Pharma versus Mainers’ independent spirit.

Both supporters and opponents of the elimination of vaccine opt-outs held dueling news conferences Tuesday in Augusta. Maine voters will decide on March 3rd whether to overturn the changes adopted by lawmakers and signed into law by Democratic Gov. Janet Mills.

The Legislature’s removal of religious and philosophical exemptions for vaccinations last year came against the backdrop of a spike in whooping cough cases in Maine.

The law takes effect next year.