BOZEMAN - Dozens of people rallied together Thursday evening to take a stand against Gov. Steve Bullock’s mask mandate.
The rally started at 6 p.m. in front of the Gallatin County Courthouse in Bozeman.
On Wednesday, Bullock made it mandatory to wear face coverings in certain indoor spaces and outdoor gatherings.
But some people are speaking out against that order and saying that their voices aren’t being heard.
Adults, children, and even pets came together to protest against the mask mandate.
“We should just have the right to choose. Like I don’t care if somebody wants to wear a mask. That’s their choice. But, if I don’t want to wear one. That should be mine,” said Avery George.
“I’m out here because I don’t like being told I have to wear a mask. I am wearing one because we are on state property. He did tell us he wants us wearing a mask, so I will be legal. I will obey him. But I disagree with it. I do not like being told I have to wear a mask against my will,” explained Ava Fabian.
“We should not have the government coming in and telling you what interventions are good for you and parenting you. If you want to educate people and convince people that’s fine,” said Nichole SKeen.
“Our opinions weren’t taken into account. We very much voiced our opinions against it and it was just openly dismissed. There wasn’t even really a talk about it, and I feel like that was very unjust. It’s to serve the people not to dictate them,” Cayman Fabian explained.
“We’re here because we don’t want to be told what to do when it comes to masks. I think everybody has the right to wear it or not but we’re here just peacefully and we’re expressing that. If anybody has any opinions like no matter what aisle on the political spectrum, I think you should do it peacefully,” said Gunnar Richey.
And while there were dozens of people protesting against the mask mandate at the rally, there was one counter-protester rallying for the mask mandate.
“I am here to protest the protest because I think if there’s one thing you can do to help humanity that’s easy wearing a mask would be it. It’s very important because masks don’t kill but the virus does and if you can save a life, save a life,” explained Linda Wisman.
Wisman said she didn’t care that she was by herself. She believed her voice needed to be heard.
The protest remained peaceful throughout the entire event.
