Queens Councilwoman Proposes Ban on Ski Masks Worn by Protestors to Bolster Public Safety

Queens Councilwoman Proposes Ban on Ski Masks Worn by Protestors to Bolster Public Safety

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In an effort to address growing concerns about public safety during protests in New York City, Queens Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R) is introducing a bill that would ban the use of ski masks frequently worn by protestors to conceal their identities. According to a report in The New York Post, the proposed legislation aims to curb the anonymity that such masks provide, which Ariola argues emboldens individuals to commit crimes under the cover of obscurity.

Ski masks, often associated with protestors, have become a common sight in demonstrations across the city. Protestors caught on video allegedly committing crimes, such as vandalism or violence, frequently hide their faces behind these masks, making it difficult for law enforcement to identify and hold them accountable. The Post report indicated thatAriola’s bill seeks to remove this layer of anonymity, under the premise that individuals who know they can be easily identified are less likely to engage in unlawful behavior.

“The anonymity granted by such masks emboldens people to act out and cause chaos in our streets,” Ariola stated in her proposal. She believes that forcing individuals to show their faces in public spaces will act as a deterrent, reducing instances of crime during protests. “When their faces are visible and easily identifiable, would-be criminals may think twice before breaking the law. This is a big step in the right direction when it comes to public safety in this city,” she said.

While the bill is being introduced by a Republican councilwoman, it has garnered some bipartisan support. Councilmembers Bob Holden and Kalman Yeager, both Democrats, have expressed their backing for the legislation. A spokesperson for Ariola’s staff has indicated that more lawmakers may join in supporting the bill, with hopes of gaining enough traction for it to pass. “We’re hoping others come on as well. We believe it indeed will pass,” Ariola’s spokesperson told The New York Post.

This legislative push follows a similar law passed in Philadelphia in 2022, which was introduced by Democratic lawmaker Anthony Phillips. According to the information provided in The Post report, the Philadelphia law was designed to tackle the same issue of protestor anonymity and has been cited as an example of how such measures can be implemented effectively in urban environments. New York City’s proposed bill appears to be part of a broader trend of lawmakers seeking to balance protest rights with public safety concerns.

The proposed ski mask ban in New York City is not the only legislative effort targeting masks used for anonymity in public spaces. At the state level, New York State Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz has introduced a separate bill aimed at reinstating a general mask ban that was previously lifted during the COVID-19 pandemic, as per The Post report. Dinowitz’s bill has found support among his fellow Democrats and certain civil rights groups, signaling that concerns over masked anonymity are resonating beyond the confines of city politics.

While Dinowitz’s bill differs from Ariola’s in scope, focusing on masks in general rather than ski masks specifically, both legislative efforts reflect growing concerns over the misuse of face coverings during public gatherings, The Post report explained. Dinowitz’s proposal, like Ariola’s, seeks to strike a balance between individual rights and the need for public safety.

The New York City proposal defines a “ski mask” as “a close-fitting garment covering the whole head and face, with holes for the eyes, mouth, or nose, or any combination of the three,” The Post report confirmed. Under the bill, ski masks would be prohibited in public places, schools, and childcare facilities. However, the bill includes several important exemptions. Masks worn for religious purposes, work-related reasons, or as part of costumes would not be banned. These exceptions reflect an effort to ensure that the bill targets anonymity in public spaces related to criminal activity, without infringing on cultural or occupational practices.

Those found in violation of the ban could be fined $250. However, the legislation includes a provision allowing violators to recover the fine if they attend a court proceeding, a measure that incentivizes individuals to engage with the legal system and potentially avoid financial penalties.

While the bill has gained support from several lawmakers, it is also expected to face opposition from civil rights advocates concerned about potential overreach and the implications for First Amendment rights. Protestors, particularly those advocating for social justice causes, have long relied on masks not only for anonymity but also for protection from potential retaliation by law enforcement or other parties, according to The Post report.  Civil liberties organizations may challenge the bill on the grounds that it infringes on the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.

Additionally, enforcing the ban may prove challenging in practice. In a city as large and diverse as New York, where demonstrations can attract thousands of participants, ensuring that all protestors comply with the ban on ski masks could strain law enforcement resources. There is also the question of whether a $250 fine would be a sufficient deterrent for individuals intent on concealing their identities.

If passed, the ban would set a precedent for how New York City approaches the complex relationship between identity concealment and criminal activity during protests, contributing to a larger national conversation about anonymity in public spaces.