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North Carolina bill to curb mask-wearing in protests could make it illegal for medical reasons too (apnews.com)

submitted 7 months ago by MicroWave@lemmy.world to c/politics@lemmy.world

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People wearing a mask during protests in North Carolina could face extra penalties if arrested, under proposed legislation that critics say could make it illegal to wear a mask in public as a way to protect against COVID-19 or for other health reasons.

Republicans supporters say the legislation, which passed its first committee Tuesday, was prompted in part by the recent wave of protests on universities nationwide — including at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — against Israel’s war in Gaza.

…

While the main thrust of the bill enhances penalties for people wearing a mask during a crime or intentionally blocking traffic during protests, most concerns centered on the health and safety exemption. According to the bill’s summary, people could no longer wear masks in public for medical reasons.

…

When asked by Batch if someone wearing a mask for health purposes in public would be violating the law, a legislative staff member said it would, because the bill repeals the exemption.

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[-] Dubiousx99@lemmy.world 52 points 7 months ago

Would be nice to see the faces of those proud boys showing up at school board meetings too. If they realize that, expect the bill to die quickly.

[-] bobs_monkey@lemm.ee 46 points 7 months ago

Nah, all they'd do is just not prosecute them. It's easier to have a blanket law on the books that you can selectively prosecute for, as opposed to a targeted ban that could end up the subject of a discrimination suit.

[-] MegaUltraChicken@lemmy.world 49 points 7 months ago

As an aside, if assholes would get their fucking shots and stop willingly spreading disease we wouldn't have incredibly valid health concerns and want to wear a mask in public spaces.

You should also be free to be anonymous in public, which is what they have a problem with.

[-] Bbbbbbbbbbb@lemmy.world 40 points 7 months ago

Crazy thing is, they want people to be able to be anonymous in public, just not who they deem as their enemies

[-] Beaver@lemmy.ca 1 points 7 months ago

Like how twitter only allows premium users to hide their likes on their profiles.

[-] Jackcooper@lemmy.world 14 points 7 months ago

Surgeons gonna go raw dog?

[-] Beaver@lemmy.ca 4 points 7 months ago

The old republicans would feel uncomfortable with that.

[-] gregorum@lemm.ee 13 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

and how is this not a 1A violation?

[-] toiletobserver@lemmy.world 5 points 7 months ago

Ada reference?

[-] Bluefalcon@discuss.tchncs.de 12 points 7 months ago

Makes it illegal to block traffic while protesting. Next will be legal hitting protestors with your car.

[-] goferking0 13 points 7 months ago

Already legal to hit them in some states :(

[-] Beaver@lemmy.ca 12 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Republicans really want to hammer their nonsense again

this post was submitted on 14 May 2024

274 points (100.0% liked)

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