Ohio House Members Should Wear Masks, Politician Says

COLUMBUS, OH — When the Ohio House voted to limit the powers of the director of the Ohio Department of Health this week, many representatives refused to wear face coverings. State Rep. Mike Skindell wants to change that.

Skindell, from Lakewood, introduced legislation that would require all persons attending an Ohio House meeting to wear a face covering which covers their mouth and nose. Exceptions would be made for people unable to wear a covering for medical reasons.

The requirement would only be in place during the state of emergency for COVID-19.

“Masks or cloth facial coverings are recommended by the CDC and other medical professionals and groups to lessen the spread of COVID-19 to others,” Skindell said. “By wearing a mask, you are demonstrating your deep concern for the health and safety of people around you.”

Skindell said many people did not wear masks during House Committee meetings this week. On May 5, 11 members of the assembly and the speaker of the house did not wear masks, Skindell said.

State Rep. Nino Vitale has repeatedly refused to don a face covering, saying masks don't work and because faces are the "likeness of God."

In a vote along party lines this week, Ohio House Republicans voted to limit the power of Dr. Amy Acton, the director of the state's health department. House leaders said they wanted legislative input on stay-at-home orders and health mandates.

Gov. Mike DeWine and House Democrats lambasted the vote. DeWine has vowed to veto the legislation should it pass the Ohio Senate.