(News Punch) While US health experts continue to encourage the use of face masks in public, some states have issued mandatory mask requirements, but there has been pushback from some Americans who refuse to cover up.
Several sheriffs have also said that making face masks compulsory is unconstitutional and unenforceable…
This week, Palm Beach County in South Florida issued a countywide mask mandate. Facial coverings are now required in all businesses and government buildings, while using public transportation, and in public when social distancing is not possible.
Still, the vote was preceded by protesters shouting “Freedom,” and dozens of local residents heatedly testified against mask-wearing during a more than three-hour public comment session.
“You do not have the authority to govern my body,” one said.
“You guys are overstepping your boundaries,” said another.
A day after the Palm Beach County vote, demonstrators in Arizona gathered outside Scottsdale’s city hall to protest recent mask mandates from the city and its county, Maricopa.
The protest was led by a local councilman, Guy Phillips, and some 200 people attended, according to the Arizona Republic.
Phillips addressed the crowd by saying, “I can’t breathe,” before taking his mask off and uttering, “Insanity.” He then went on to paraphrase Benjamin Franklin, saying, “Anyone who would give up his freedom for temporary safety deserves neither liberty nor safety.”
