Mask naysayers may push state to enact legislation, just like seatbelts
You've heard the arguments before.
"They're uncomfortable."
"There's no proof that they save lives."
"Forcing me to wear one is infringing on my rights."
If you think I'm talking about face coverings and COVID-19, you're mistaken.
I'm talking about the negativity surrounding seat belt laws in the mid 1980s.
On July 1, 1985, Illinois' mandatory seat belt law went into effect.
In those simpler days, that law required drivers and front-seat passengers in most vehicles to use a safety restraint. The fine was $25.
Some people were thrilled, while others railed at the state.
I was 9 years old when that law changed, soon to be 10. I heard arguments from both sides from friends of my parents.
I didn't have much of a say in the matter. My folks already made my younger brother and me wear seat belts.
Illinois, over the years, continues to change its seat belt laws. Fines are steeper and all passengers over age 8 must wear them (those under obviously must be in an age-appropriate child safety seat).
At one time, not wearing a seat belt was not cause for a traffic stop on its own, but eventually that changed as well. And, the fines increased.
Some people have challenged the constitutionality of seat belt laws. I'm no lawyer, but I can research legal cases, as can anyone with internet access. I have not been able to find a case yet where a state supreme court or the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned a seat belt law (although one Illinois Supreme Court case in 1969 overturned the state's motorcycle helmet law).
Simply put, the well-being of citizens is compelling enough for a state to pass protective legislation.
The mask issue with COVID-19 is slightly different, in that wearing a mask has been shown to reduce the rate of transmission of the disease by protecting other people rather than the mask-wearer.
Once again, the same old arguments show up; that they are uncomfortable, that they haven't been proven to save lives or that they're infringing on one's civil liberties.
They are uncomfortable. I'll be the first to say wearing a mask is not necessarily pleasant.
While the earliest studies were inconclusive about preventing the spread of COVID-19, more recent studies have shown that wearing a face covering helps.
While people may feel that being required to wear a mask in certain situations may be restrictive, states are well within their rights to pass laws to protect people.
Up until this point, Illinois has asked nicely that people wear masks if they're going to be around other people and six feet or more of distance cannot be maintained.
But Illinois is drowning in debt.
If COVID-19 continues to linger, and we continue to not wear masks during those few times we're asked to, don't be surprised when the state starts passing laws to force the issue.