A new anti-masking bill could make it illegal to wear a mask at protests again, with exceptions for the Ku Klux Klan.
North Carolina’s initial ban on masks at demonstrations came in response to the KKK. However, there’s still an exception in the measure that would allow members to wear masks or hoods, with permission from a municipality, during public events like a parade. “So, this bill will protect the Ku Klux Klan to wear a mask in public, but someone who’s immunocompromised like myself can’t,” State Senator Syndey Batch said.
Kerwin Pittman said he also has concerns about how the bill will disproportionately affect people of color. “With this bill passed, law enforcement will begin to stop Black and brown people in their communities who may be wearing masks for health concerns or safety concerns,” Pittman said.