Recently, the Philadelphia City Council voted 13-2 to ban ski masks citywide. The vote happened this past Thursday, and the bill would bar people from wearing ski masks on public transit, schools, and in parks. City Council member Anthony Phillips spoke on the matter, saying, “We must send a message that masks are of no discernible public or private good when they just create fear and anxiety.”
Reports noted that the city could enforce a $250 fine against people caught wearing the mask. Along with that, a $2,000 fine can be issued if a crime is committed while wearing the mask.
The bill has moved on to Mayor James Kenney for approval, but clear exceptions to the ban were made. It was noted that religious expression was one of the exceptions, and “first amendment activities” like protesting were excluded as well.
source: Fox 29
