A top conservative think tank that advocates for limited government is challenging Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s rollout of a statewide mask mandate.
On Thursday, representatives with the Freedom Foundation confirmed that the organization is pursuing an emergency stay on the governor’s executive decision to require masks to be worn by all residents above the age of 5, including in all public spaces.
“Governors in left-leaning states all over the country are making up the rules as they go — and ignoring the procedural rules their own state laws set up,” Jason Dudash, the Oregon director for the group, wrote in the statement.
The think tank claims Brown did not follow legal procedures during her monthlong rollout of the order, which began as a mandate in only seven counties on June 24 before being enacted statewide a month later. Freedom Foundation spokeswoman Ashley Varner argued that the executive order must receive approval from the Oregon state legislature before the mandate could be implemented.
Brown’s spokesman, Charles Boyle, responded to the stay request by arguing that the face-covering mandate is crucial to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Boyle suggested the new rule will help allow businesses remain open during the pandemic.
“Face coverings save lives,” Boyle said. “The virus is transmitted through droplets that come from your nose and mouth. Face coverings protect you, your friends, and neighbors from contracting this deadly disease. And the more people who wear face coverings while out in public, the more likely it is that we can keep businesses open.”
