A barber from Michigan has been hit with a $9,000 fine for license violations after re-opening his shop and cutting hair for free during a hairstylist protest on the steps of the Michigan State Capitol last spring.
"It shows their pettiness, it shows their vindictiveness. The lack of proportionality here is almost breathtaking really," said Manke’s attorney, David Kallman.
Kallman added that his client will be fighting the penalties in court.
Earlier this month, a judge ruled that Manke wasn't allowed to cut hair while taking part in a hairstylist protest on the steps of the state Capitol last May because he wasn't licensed to operate outside of his barbershop.
The media record barber Karl Manke, of Owosso, giving a free haircut to Parker Shonts on the steps of the State Capitol during a rally in Lansing, Mich., on May 20, 2020. (Paul Sancya/AP Photo)[/caption]"Respondent had the option of protesting without cutting hair," Administrative Law Judge Stephen Goldstein said. "He chose a different path and in so doing has violated the Code."
Manke's case garnered national attention after he refused to close his shop amid the order that forced "non-essential" businesses in Michigan to close.
Whitmer, a Democrat, said at the time she announced last year's executive order prohibiting barbers from operating, they are needed to prevent a second wave of COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP virus, which emerged from China in late 2019.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer introduces Democratic Presidential Candidate Joe Biden to speak at Beech Woods Recreation Center in Southfield, Michigan, on Oct. 16, 2020. ( Jim Watson/AFP)[/caption]"I’m following all the guidelines here," Manke said. "I’ve got the mask on, the sterilizer, hand sanitizer, and trying to distance as best we can here."
"As long as I have two hands and I’m capable of cutting hair, that’s my occupation," he added. "That’s what I do. That’s what I’m going to continue to do."