The New Hampshire Legislature, led by the Republican majority, is failing in its constitutional duty to conduct its business and represent all the people in the state, and it’s doing so in a way that has particularly dangerous consequences.

Back in May, as the COVID crisis was unfolding, the Kent Street Coalition took to these pages to urge Democratic majority leaders to do whatever was necessary so that the Legislature could resume meeting in a way that was accessible and safe for all. We also called for transparency so that the public could understand what obstacles stood in the way and what was being done to address them.

Now, with a Republican majority in charge, we face a different and more dangerous situation. The Legislature has met, but it did so in a way that put every representative who attended its recent “Organization Day” session at risk of catching COVID. The Republican leadership, either of its own volition or because it bowed to pressure from the so-called “Liberty Party” (formerly the Freedom Caucus) within its own caucus, opted not to mandate mask-wearing.

The Republicans held several in-person events in recent weeks: first, to celebrate election results; second, to caucus ahead of the full Legislature’s meeting; and finally, on Organization Day itself. At all of these events, masks were optional and photographs show that few, if any, were worn.

Once several Republican members became infected with the virus, Republican leadership then failed to be transparent with their Democratic colleagues and with the public at large. Leadership alerted their own caucus that several of their members had tested positive, yet they chose not to notify the Democrats, who learned of the positive tests from the media.

Even after these cases were revealed, the Republicans still refused both to disclose the number of cases and to bar members exposed to the virus from the legislative session. Democrats then had to decide whether to attend knowing they had been denied the full truth.

As a result, many chose instead to be sworn in virtually the following day, missing other business that took place on Organization Day.

Subsequently, the newly elected speaker, Dick Hinch, died of COVID, and Speaker Pro Tempore Kimberly Rice has become seriously ill with the virus.

With a tragic death in their own ranks, others sick and many others exposed, with cases growing exponentially in New Hampshire and 300,000 dead nationally, what will it take for Republican leadership to stand up to its own caucus to ensure that the business of the people can be conducted in a way that protects the health and safety of all?

Last spring, Democrats showed that this can be done. By meeting virtually whenever possible, all were guaranteed safety and the ability to participate. The New Hampshire Supreme Court also weighed in, making clear that the Legislature can conduct its business virtually.

No one should be asked to choose between their health and their constitutional duties. We owe this to all those who step up as public servants.

At the Organization Day session the Legislature convened outside on the field hockey field at UNH, where masks are in all instances required. An entire seating section was set aside for those who refused to wear masks. Approximately 70 Republicans chose to sit in this section.

Not happy with being consigned to the reserved area, maskless Rep. Keith Amman insisted on sitting with those representatives who were trying to protect their health by observing social distancing and wearing masks.

Those expressing concerns about lack of observance of COVID protocols were ignored or worse. Kent Street Coalition members asked one Republican representative, as he walked in, “Why aren’t you wearing a mask? Are you willing to endanger other folks?” He replied, “Yes, I am.”

Rep. Al Baldasaro, upon walking in from a meeting in the parking lot, replied that he was exempt from wearing a mask because he “just had an operation a few minutes ago.”

These are mocking and disrespectful words. Good leaders inspire confidence through example. Those who go out of their way to flaunt, mock, and disparage fail to live up these most basic responsibilities. They substitute a misplaced and deadly notion of freedom for caring about the health and lives of other people.

Rep. William Marsh, a Republican and a physician, was clear in his assessment of what led to the recent tragedy: “Those in our caucus who refused to take precautions are responsible for Dick Hinch’s death.”

Rep. Marsh is right and, sadly, stands apart from many in his party.

The CDC has estimated that 600,000 Americans may well die of COVID by Valentine’s Day. New Hampshire has lost a House speaker. How many more need to die?

Let’s take politics out of this once and for all. We know it can be done. The question is, why isn’t it happening?

(Louise P. Spencer of Concord and Tracy Hahn-Burkett of Bow are members of the Kent Street Coalition.)