Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry is questioning the legality of Governor John Bel Edwards’ order to mandate the wearing of face coverings and close bars.
In an opinion issued on Wednesday, Landry said the mask mandate, the 50-person gathering limit, and the bar closure are likely unconstitutional and unenforceable.
“Although the mask mandate and the 50-person limit may be good recommendations for personal safety, they may not be enforced with financial or criminal penalties,” Landry wrote. “Both businesses acting under color of law as mask police and actual police acting as mask police could face liability if individual civil rights are violated due to the proclamation.”
He also wrote:
“The governor has no authority to discriminate against a single business type statewide in the absence of far more data to support such a draconian and arbitrary exercise of power.”
Governor Edwards called Landry’s opinion politically motivated.
“I hope he would rescind the opinion and get back to where he was with me three months ago,” Edwards said.
