AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) The Maine Senate is considering ending non-medical vaccine exemptions.

The Senate debated a Democrat’s bill Thursday. Democrats control the Senate 21-14.

The bill would end religious and philosophical opt-outs by 2021 for public school students, as well as nursery schools and health care facilities employees.

Supporters want to protect children unable to be vaccinated, while critics worry about stigmatizing non-vaccinated children.

Religious groups, Maine’s ACLU chapter and pharmaceutical manufacturers report lobbying the bill. Republicans and some Democrats want to keep religious exemptions.

Democratic Gov. Janet Mills’ administration backed the bill, which got a 78-59 House vote. Democrats control Maine’s House 88-56.

Multiple studies have debunked claims that measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations increase the risk for autism.

Federal data shows Maine has among the highest rates of non-medical vaccine exemptions.