Republican lawmakers in North Carolina are moving forward with their plan to repeal a pandemic-era law that allowed the wearing of masks in public for health reasons, citing recent demonstrations against the war in Gaza as a motivation. The bill, which cleared the Senate in a 30-15 vote along party lines, would increase penalties for individuals who wear masks while committing crimes, including arrested protesters. Critics of the bill argue that it poses a risk to the health of those who mask for safety reasons, while supporters believe it is necessary in response to escalating protests at college campuses and clashes with police.
The legislation would also criminalize the blocking of roads or emergency vehicles during protests, a measure that has been seen during pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Raleigh and Durham. Republican Sen. Buck Newton, who presented the bill, emphasized the need to curb the “craziness” surrounding the protests and enforce law and order. One of the main points of contention regarding the bill is the removal of health and safety exemptions for wearing masks in public. The health exemption, added during the COVID-19 pandemic, would revert public masking rules to their pre-pandemic state, which were originally established in 1953 to limit Ku Klux Klan activity in North Carolina.
The debate around the bill has been heated, particularly regarding concerns about how the removal of health exemptions could impact immunocompromised individuals who rely on masks for protection. Democratic lawmakers have expressed fears that the legislation could criminalize individuals who mask for health reasons, potentially putting vulnerable populations at risk. However, Republican legislators have reassured that law enforcement and prosecutors would exercise discretion in enforcing the law, focusing only on criminalizing masks used for concealing one’s identity. Despite objections from Senate Democrats, attempts to amend the bill to preserve the health exemption and exclude hate groups from masking were blocked by Senate Republicans.
While the bill may still undergo revisions as it heads back to the House, Republican lawmakers remain committed to cracking down on individuals who wear masks while committing crimes. House Rules Committee Chairman Destin Hall stated that the House plans to review the bill to address concerns about masking during criminal activities. The bill is expected to move through several committees before reaching the House floor, a process that could take one to two weeks. Overall, the legislation reflects a broader political and social context in North Carolina, where the contentious issue of masking has become intertwined with protests, public health, and concerns about public safety.
