A resolution which would declare Branson mask and vaccine mandate free was passed by the Branson Board of Aldermen on Oct. 10.

The idea behind it, according to the staff report, is to get ahead of a possible rise in COVID-19 cases which could lead to mandates. The resolution supports the choice, not forced masking or vaccinations. Branson Alderman Marshall Howden shared his appreciation of the resolution being brought before the board.

Howden said he appreciated fellow Board Member Ruth Denham calling attention to the idea of the resolution. "We're responsive to how this community feels and sort of the ideological makeup of this community," Howden said. He added that more than that, the city stands for "faith, family, flag and freedom," and said that's what the resolution is about.

Branson Mayor Larry Milton took a moment to thank Denham and Alderman Clay Cooper for sparking the discussion of the resolution. Alderman Cody Fenton expressed concern of hypocrisy on the part of Branson.

"It seems a little hypocritical to me that we took up the issue of drag shows for a few months, restricted that and now we're saying we embrace freedom and the right of individuals to choose," Fenton said. He clarified that he supports the idea that birthed the resolution but believes it to stand against the conversations that occurred over the summer.

No one voted against the resolution. The resolution was requested by Cooper and Denham during the Sept. 26 Board of Aldermen meeting.