Posted: May 7, 2020
Ohio state Rep. Nino Vitale is twisting the Bible to explain why he opposes the use of face masks to fight coronavirus.
"We are all created in the image and likeness of God," the right-wing Republican wrote in a viral Facebook post. "That image is seen the most by our face. I will not wear a mask. That's the image of God right there, and I want to see it in my brothers and sisters."
Vitale's words aren't just ridiculous; they’re dangerous. As someone working on a degree in theology, he should know that being made in God's image means we can love and think -- not that God has a face.
Respecting God's likeness means loving one another, including by following CDC recommendations to keep each other safe with masks.
It's time lawmakers stop twisting Scripture to support harmful right-wing agendas. Vitale has previously voted against expanding Medicaid, falsely compared coronavirus to the flu, and claimed COVID-19 guidelines are intended to spread fear. It's up to us to correct his misinformation and show the media that he does not speak for American Christians!
Sign the petition:
Love thy neighbor.