Violet Affleck, 18, Makes Impassioned Speech Against Mask Bans in Los Angeles Government Building

Violet Affleck is speaking out.

On Tuesday, July 9, the 18-year-old daughter of Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck attended an L.A. County Board of Supervisors meeting, where she took the stand during the Public Comment section, as seen in a clip shared on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Introducing herself as “Violet Affleck, Los Angeles resident, first-time voter and 18,” the teenager advocated for mask availability and high-quality free testing while also stating her opposition to mask bans.

“I contracted a post-viral condition in 2019,” the teenager revealed during her speech at L.A.’s Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration “I’m OK now, but I saw first-hand that medicine does not always have answers to the consequences of even minor viruses. The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown that into sharper relief.”

“One in 10 infections leads to long COVID, which is a devastating neurological [and] cardiovascular illness that can take away people’s ability to work, move, see, and even think,” Violet continued, pointing out that the condition affects vulnerable people more than the rest of the population.

Per the Mayo Clinic, post-COVID syndrome symptoms can include fatigue, symptoms that get worse after physical or mental effort, fever, and lung (respiratory) symptoms, including difficulty breathing or shortness of breath and cough.

Mayo Clinic Proceedings added that post-COVID conditions are common and have “caused widespread unemployment and billions in lost wages.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

“To confront the long COVID crisis, I demand mask availability, air filtration and far-UVC light in government facilities, including jails and detention centers, and mask mandates in county medical facilities,” Violet continued during the board meeting.

“We must expand the availability of high-quality free tests and treatment and, most importantly, the county must oppose mask bans for any reason,” she added.

“They do not keep us safer, they make vulnerable members of our community less safe and make everyone less able to participate in Los Angeles together. Thank you,” Violet, who graduated on May 30, concluded.

While speaking to PEOPLE in April 2023, Garner spoke about parenthood, admitting she understands how hard it is to be a teen in this day and age.

“I just have a huge heart for teenagers,” she said at the time. “I love them. I love what they’re going through. I see how hard it is to be a teen right now.”

When it comes to supporting her kids as they navigate this phase of their life, the Yes Day star said it’s just about being open to learning new things.

“I mean, I’m learning as much from them, or more from them, than they’ll ever learn from me,” the actress shared.