The Massachusetts Republican Party unanimously passed a resolution on June 10th calling for a voluntary mask advisory in place of a mask mandate. Republican State Committeewoman Kathy Lynch submitted a box of thousands of petitions to State Party leadership to be delivered to Governor Charlie Baker. She said, “Our constituents have had enough of the masks!” The Massachusetts government website, reads, “Effective May 29: The Commonwealth’s mask order is rescinded.” However, it then contradicts itself by saying: “Masks are still mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings.”  The website lists where masks are still required: – Public and Private Transportation. – Inside K-12 public schools, collaboratives, approved special education schools. – Healthcare facilities. – Congregate care facilities – Emergency shelter programs. – Houses of Correction, Department of Correction prisons, jails, and other correctional facilities – Health Care and Day Services and Programs operated, licensed, certified, regulated, or funded by the Commonwealth. – Home health care workers. The resolution, passed by the Massachusetts Republican Party, was circulated as an online and in-person petition before being handed in to Republican State Committee leadership. The resolution calls for the existing Commonwealth of MA mask mandate to be rescinded in its entirety and replaced with a voluntary mask advisory for all persons (vaccinated or unvaccinated), businesses, and governmental institutions. It also calls for informed consent, without harassment, coercion, or sanctions, either way they decide.  Finally, the resolution urges Massachusetts lawmakers to pass legislation that places checks and balances on gubernatorial power regarding mask-wearing or any other constitutional right during emergency situations. Resolution to Change the Massachusetts (MA) Mask MANDATE to a Voluntary Mask ADVISORY Whereas: On March 10, 2020, MA Governor Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency (pursuant to the Civil Defense Act of 1950 and Chapter 17 of MA General Laws) for the alleged outbreak of a Covid-19 virus; Whereas: The Civil Defense Act of 1950 and Chapter 17 of MA General Laws provides no constitutional system of checks and balances via legislative or judicial branches; Whereas: On May 6, 2020 Governor Baker instituted a mask mandate as a temporary measure; Whereas: By May 25, 2021, thirty states and counting have lifted their mask mandates successfully; Whereas: The First Amendment of the Constitution of the U.S. guarantees U.S. Citizens the right to petition government for a redress of grievances; Whereas: We believe the strength of our nation and Commonwealth lies with the individual and that each person’s dignity, freedom, ability and responsibility must be honored and that this belief holds true for individuals making their own health care decisions and choosing whatever medical interventions they see fit; Whereas: Any emergency orders, decrees, requirements, regulations, or other mandates issued by state or local officials that bind, curtail or infringe upon the rights of individuals, must be narrowly tailored to serve a compelling public health purpose; Whereas: There is no longer a compelling public health purpose to wear masks because the recovery rate for Covid-19 has been very high (~99.7%); We the undersigned, therefore, Resolve: That the existing Commonwealth of MA mask mandate be rescinded in its entirety and replaced with a voluntary mask advisory for all persons, adults or children, vaccinated or unvaccinated, businesses, and governmental institutions, within MA. Resolve: That the voluntary mask advisory apply to any indoor and outdoor setting, including those not listed in the May 29, 2021 Department of Public Health advisory: childcare programs, K-12 public and private schools, collaboratives, special education schools, public and private transportation, healthcare facilities and provider offices, congregate care settings, rehabilitative day services and programs and community care. Resolve: That every adult or parent of a minor be given complete and accurate information about any benefits and risks of mask-wearing and be able to provide informed and voluntary consent as to whether to wear or not to wear a mask, without harassment, coercion, or sanctions, either way they decide. Resolve: That our lawmakers pass legislation that places checks and balances as well as clearly-defined parameters on gubernatorial power to protect our rights regarding mask-wearing or any other constitutional right during emergency situations. |
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| Thank you to everyone who signed the petition and helped get the word out there. Governor Baker will receive YOUR feedback. Please make a donation to pay for the costs of this advocacy work. Make your generous donation by clicking here. |
