The Texas Supreme Court temporarily banned mask mandates across the state on Sunday, delivering a win for Governor Greg Abbott (R).
Abbott petitioned the court for a stay on lower court rulings that allowed local governments and school boards to reinstate mask mandates for their jurisdictions. The state Supreme Court granted Abbott’s request, temporarily banning local mask mandates while the court works on a final ruling, according to the San Antonio Express-News
Abbott banned mask mandates and other restrictive health orders statewide last month, saying in a statement: “The new Executive Order emphasizes that the path forward relies on personal responsibility rather than government mandates. Texans have mastered the safe practices that help to prevent and avoid the spread of COVID-19. They have the individual right and responsibility to decide for themselves and their children whether they will wear masks, open their businesses, and engage in leisure activities. Vaccines, which remain in abundant supply, are the most effective defense against the virus, and they will always remain voluntary – never forced – in the State of Texas.”
