Face Mask Exemption Card is Not Legitimate
The Claim
A face mask exemption card will allow its carrier to go maskless in public businesses and organizations.
News posted on
Emerging story
In summer 2020, users on social media began posting about a “legal face mask exemption card” that would allow its carrier to go maskless even in areas where a face mask is required. While many were in support of the card, others found it offensive. The card is being sold in areas including the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar’s investigation found that the cards are fake. The U.S. Justice Department put out a warning about “fraudulent cards,” saying that they are not legitimate. In an official government statement, U.S. Attorney Matthew Martin “urged the public to be aware regarding fraudulent postings, cards, or flyers on the internet regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the use of face masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of which include the United States Department of Justice’s seal.”
Martin said: “Do not be fooled by the chicanery and misappropriation of the DOJ eagle. These cards do not carry the force of law. The ‘Freedom to Breathe Agency,’ or ‘FTBA,’ is not a government agency.”
Misbar discovered that the FTBA is just a Facebook group, with no governmental ties.
The ADA has disavowed the exemption cards:
The ADA further said that those with specific disabilities including asthma, COPD, PTSD, autism, and cerebral palsy, may ask for “reasonable modifications” to a face mask policy if they are unable to wear a mask for medical reasons. These include businesses and agencies allowing a person to wear a looser face covering such as a scarf, order online or on the phone, and use social distancing tactics when in public.
