North Carolina Senate votes to ban mask-wearing in public
The North Carolina state Senate voted to ban wearing masks in public even for health reasons, with Republican supporters saying it would help law enforcement crack down on protesters. Democrats raised concerns for immunocompromised individuals and cancer patients. The bill repeals an exception allowing mask-wearing for health reasons and could elevate the classification of a crime for protesting while masked.
Key Points
- Republican supporters believe it will assist law enforcement in identifying protesters
- Democrats express concerns for vulnerable populations like cancer patients and immunocompromised individuals
- The bill could elevate the classification of crimes for protesting while masked
Pros
- Potential help for law enforcement in cracking down on protesters
Cons
- Negatively impacts immunocompromised individuals and those undergoing cancer treatments
- Repeals existing exception for wearing masks for health and safety reasons