The national battle over face mask mandates continues as various states and localities require them. Leaders on both sides of the political aisle who have issued face mask mandates cite them as tools for the greater good. They also maintain that “the science” links face masks to fewer coronavirus cases.
As “requirements” for face coverings pop up across the nation, so is pushback. Many governors and other officials are on the receiving end of lawsuits due to their face mask requirements. Opposers of forced masking argue that such mandates are civil rights violations and unconstitutional.
Yesterday, Louisiana became the latest state to require its residents to wear face masks. Governor John Edwards (D) put forth the mandate yesterday, as confirmed by sources.
A Closer Look at Mandatory Masking in Louisiana
Yesterday, the Louisiana governor enacted a statewide masking mandate that goes into effect tomorrow. Under this mandate, anyone above the age of eight-years-old is required to wear a face mask; this goes for both inside and outside environments.
If you don't like the mask mandate, then don't like it. But wear your mask anyway if you're going to be out in public. #MaskUpLa #lagov pic.twitter.com/ZAbHOQqUBH
— John Bel Edwards (@LouisianaGov) July 11, 2020
In making this announcement, the Democrat governor also bemoaned the “political dynamic” that presently revolves around face coverings. Edwards stated that this dynamic “doesn’t make any sense” to him; he then alleged that masks “work” and are necessary to stop COVID-19.
Along with issuing a forced masking mandate, the Louisiana governor is also ordering bars across the state to close their dining room doors.
Pushback Against Mandatory Masking in Louisiana
Following Governor Edwards’ masking mandate came swift and immediate backlash. GOP Rep. Danny McCormick slammed forced masking, stating that the government shouldn’t have the power to force people into masks.
The conservative representative also noted that a government that can force people into masks can also mandate injections and microchips at a later time. McCormick is not alone in this outlook either; many Americans who take issue with mandatory face coverings have also pointed out the dangerous, slippery slope that such mandates create.
"Government needed a villain," he adds. "People who don’t wear a mask will be soon painted as the enemy. Just as they did the Jews in Nazi Germany. Now is the time to push back. Before it’s too late." #lalege #lagov
— Sam Karlin (@samkarlin) July 7, 2020
The Louisiana governor, for his part, has dismissed concerns about government-mandated face masks. This is in keeping with how many leaders have responded to pushback against forced masking. Several of these officials are presently facing lawsuits as a result.
What do you think about mandatory masking in Louisiana? Do such mandates set a dangerous precedence for the future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
