Gov. Greg Abbott Vows That Those Defying Mask Mandate Ban ‘Will Be Taken To Court’

On Wednesday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott warned that local authorities that try to defy his executive order barring government mask mandates will be taken to court.

Abbott explained on Twitter what would happen to those who ignore the order and institute mandates.

“Any school district, public university, or local government official that decides to defy GA-38—which prohibits gov’t entities from mandating masks—will be taken to court. The path forward relies on personal responsibility—not government mandates,” Abbott wrote.

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Gov. Abbott Warns On Mandates

In a press release statement, Gov. Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton made clear that they are “Aligned in Defense of Executive Order Prohibiting Mask Mandates.”

“Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton today announced the filing of a mandamus petition in the 5th Court of Appeals to strike down the actions by Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins,” the statement read.

It continued, “The judge’s order violates Executive Order GA-38 and state law. GA-38 prohibits governmental entities and officials from mandating face coverings. It has the force and effect of state law and supersedes local rules and regulations.”

“The Texas Disaster Act clearly states that the Governor has the power to guide the state through emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Any school district, public university, or local government official that decides to defy the order will be taken to court,” the statement ended.

Gov. Abbott: ‘The Path Forward Relies On Personal Responsibility—Not Government Mandates’

“Under Executive Order GA-38, no governmental entity can require or mandate the wearing of masks,” added Abbott.

The governor continued, “The path forward relies on personal responsibility—not government mandates. The State of Texas will continue to vigorously fight the temporary restraining order to protect the rights and freedoms of all Texans.”

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AG Paxton said, “This isn’t the first time we have dealt with activist characters. It’s deja vu all over again.”

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He continued, “Attention-grabbing judges and mayors have defied executive orders before, when the pandemic first started, and the courts ruled on our side – the law. I’m confident the outcomes to any suits will side with liberty and individual choice, not mandates and government overreach.”

On Tuesday, a judge ruled against Abbott’s executive order, saying that some local officials would be temporarily allowed to implement mask mandates.

Abbott signed an executive order in May “prohibiting governmental entities in Texas — including counties, cities, school districts, public health authorities, or government officials — from requiring or mandating mask wearing.”