Alabama AG Asks Birmingham Mayor To Reconsider Mask Requirement

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Amid complaints from residents, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall sent a letter to Birminggam mayor Randall Woodfin Thursday asking him to reconsider the terms of the city's requirement that all people wear face coverings in public.

Related Story: City Of Birmingham To Require Face Coverings Effective May 1

Among other concerns Marshall outlined in his letter to Woodfin was that the mandate for face coverings in the city might be unconstitutional.

"Over the past 48-hours, my Office’s COVID-19 Response Teams have been overwhelmed with calls related to the City’s ordinance requiring citizens to wear masks. I write to ask that you reconsider your intention to enforce the ordinance with fines or jail time,"Marshall said in the letter. "I am concerned that Birmingham law enforcement officers are going to be placed in a very difficult position and may feel pressure to divert limited manpower and resources away from more direct threats to public safety."

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Marshall asks Woodfin to reconsider enforcement of the ordinance and ensure that law enforcement has clear guidance. Currently, failure to comply with the ordinance is punishable by a fine of up to $500 and/or up to 30 days in the municipal jail.

Marshall also asks that Woodfin consider the possible lawsuits that could follow related to the constitutionality of the ordinance.

The letter can be seen here:

The ordinance begins Friday and requires face coverings to be worn at all times by people over the age of two and who can medically tolerate doing so when in public places within the city of Birmingham.

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