NY anti-masking bill pushed by Jewish groups heads back to state legislature

A New York State bill against masking in some situations is introduced to the state legislature, after the start of the legislative session that began with the new year.

A similar bill was introduced to the state government last year, but did not manage to get through the legislative process before the session ended.

The bill being introduced today would create the crime of “masked harassment” if a person conceals their face to threaten or menace others, or otherwise make others fear for their safety.

The legislation would also stiffen hate crimes penalties if the perpetrator is masked.

Banning masking at public gatherings has become a priority for some Jewish groups, who argue that masking hinders prosecution for crimes including harassment, vandalism and hate offenses. The legislation’s opponents say it will infringe on civil liberties and poses a health risk. A coalition of Black and Jewish groups, including the Anti-Defamation League and the NAACP, launched a campaign effort last year called UnMaskHateNY to boost support for the legislation. Dinowitz and some of the bill’s other sponsors are also Jewish.