Georgia Governor Backs Out Of Hearing On Atlanta Mask Order

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Gov. Brian Kemp at the beginning of a statewide tour urging Georgians - but not requiring them - to wear a mask.

Credit: Stephen Fowler / GPB News

Georgia’s governor says he's withdrawing a request for an emergency hearing in a lawsuit that aims to block the state’s largest city from ordering people to wear masks in public or imposing other restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

RELATED: Kemp Files Lawsuit Against Atlanta Mask Mandate

A spokesman for Gov. Brian Kemp announced late Monday that the Republican wanted “to continue productive, good faith negotiations” with Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and the City Council.

A hearing on Kemp's request had been scheduled Tuesday before a state court judge. The Republican governor argues local leaders cannot impose measures that are more or less restrictive than those in his executive orders.

RELATED: Mask Lawsuit Hearing Canceled; Two Judges Recuse Themselves From Case