Legislative representatives in New York laid out plans on Thursday to potentially criminalize the act of donning a face mask with the intention to threaten or harass an individual. The lawmakers are intending to establish an offense titled ‘masked harassment’ within the state’s harassment legislation, stipulating some exceptions for scenarios like medical needs or cold weather conditions. The primary aim of this bill is to enable police departments to penalize individuals who use masks as intimidation tools, without imposing a broad prohibition on face coverings.
The legislation, defined as a misdemeanor, specifically targets individuals who intentionally use a face mask to project direct threats of harm or incite fear of physical safety. The bill focuses on those who create an atmosphere of terror or place any person or group of persons in legitimate fear for their physical well-being.
The lawmakers are clear that such a law is not aimed at peaceful demonstrators, who often employ masks or other face coverings to maintain anonymity. Nonetheless, concerns have been voiced about the bill’s phrasing leading to potential discrimination against individuals exercising their right to free expression.
It remains unclear how successful the bill will be in the Democrat-led state Legislature. The senior leadership of the legislative body has yet to provide public statements or respond to queries on the proposed legal measure.
The concept of outlawing malicious use of masks is not new. Last year, a similar proposition was presented, sparked by scenarios where people cloaked their identities while engaging in questionable activities. Civil liberties organizations and other groups voiced fierce opposition, highlighting the widespread use of masks due to poor air quality concerns and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
There are ongoing discussions at a legislative level around a potential law that mandates more severe penalties for crimes committed while masked. This proposed law could serve as an alternative or supplement to the current legislation under discussion.
Before the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, a regulation was active in New York that prohibited the public use of face masks. This law was temporarily lifted as mask mandates became a worldwide phenomenon to curtail the spread of the virus.
Last year, a county located in Long Island passed a law prohibiting the use of face masks in public, triggered by negative incidents associated with their use. However, exceptions were made for individuals who needed masks for medical or religious considerations.
Demonstrations in New York have been predominantly peaceful, even though the use of masks is prevalent among the participants. This is likely driven by concerns of surveillance or potential backlash.
New York Legislature Considers ‘Masked Harassment’ Offense appeared first on Real News Now.