North Carolina House Passes Revised Mask Ban Amid Controversy

[Social Media]

 

In a significant move, the North Carolina House of Representatives has passed a revised mask ban, targeting protesters and significantly impacting the public's ability to wear masks on private property. The legislation, passed with a vote of 69 to 43, now awaits the decision of Democratic Governor Roy Cooper. Despite modifications that permit medical or surgical masks to prevent the spread of contagious diseases, the bill has sparked considerable debate and concern among various groups.

 

The bill's journey to the House floor was marked by controversy. Originally introduced to curb the wearing of masks during Pro-Palestinian protests and encampments, it reflects broader tensions surrounding public demonstrations and civil liberties. While the bill allows for certain health exemptions, it also empowers property owners, such as grocery stores and workplaces, to demand the removal of masks if requested.

 

Opponents of the bill have voiced strong objections. Democratic State Representative Maria Cervania highlighted that the bill's narrow focus on contagious diseases neglects those who wear masks for other health reasons, such as allergies or compromised immune systems. Her colleague, Democratic State Representative Pricey Harrison, expressed personal concerns about the impact on individuals with asthma and the potential for racial targeting under the new law. 

 

Healthcare professionals have also raised alarms. Dr. Diana Cejas, a pediatric neurologist at the University of North Carolina, emphasized the risks faced by immunocompromised individuals and those with chronic illnesses. She argued that despite legislative assurances, the reality would likely involve increased scrutiny and harassment for those needing to wear masks for health reasons. "Some of our legislators have made the argument that this ban won’t apply to those of us who mask for medical reasons, but I think that we all know that won’t be true," Dr. Cejas said. "We already face scrutiny and outright harassment at times for the ‘crime’ of trying to protect ourselves from illness, particularly us disabled and chronically ill people of color and those with other marginalized identities."

 

The bill's passage comes at a critical time, with a new subvariant of the coronavirus spreading across the United States. This has exacerbated concerns that the mask ban could hinder efforts to curb the virus's spread. The legislation's stipulation that people can be required to remove masks on private property has added a layer of complexity to public health measures, potentially undermining confidence in the state's response to the ongoing pandemic.

 

Provisions in the bill allow for certain exemptions, such as costume masks on Halloween, but these concessions have done little to quell the broader concerns about its impact on public health and civil liberties. The bill's opponents argue that it represents a step backward in protecting vulnerable populations and maintaining public safety.

 

Governor Roy Cooper's decision on whether to veto the bill will be closely watched. However, even if he does veto it, the General Assembly holds the power to override his decision, given the current political composition. This potential override adds another layer of uncertainty and concern for those opposed to the legislation.

 

The revised mask ban reflects broader national debates about public health, civil liberties, and the balance between safety and freedom. As North Carolina navigates these issues, the outcome of this legislation will likely have significant implications for public policy and individual rights in the state.

 

Credit: Mother Jones 2024-06-13

 

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[riclag]

it makes sense !

why does the present Marxist demonstrators need a mask or cover their faces in scarfs ! To conceal their identity , thats why!

 

 

The dem soon to retire Gov cooper will veto the bill . But  the new Gop Gov Mark Robinson if elected will reenact legislation again and sign it into law.

 

methinks

[stevenl]

9 minutes ago, riclag said:

it makes sense !

why does the present Marxist demonstrators need a mask or cover their faces in scarfs ! To conceal their identity , thats why!

 

 

The dem soon to retire Gov cooper will veto the bill . But  the new Gop Gov Mark Robinson if elected will reenact legislation again and sign it into law.

 

methinks

Your opinion would be more credible if you didn't envoke marxist, communist or socialist in every post you make.

 

I don't see this enforceable, only arguments when attempting to enforce.

[Chomper Higgot]

Sounds like the kind of laws the Chinese favor.

[riclag]

1 hour ago, stevenl said:

Your opinion would be more credible if you didn't envoke marxist, communist or socialist in every post you make.

 

I don't see this enforceable, only arguments when attempting to enforce.

Not Sorry it triggers you ! Im not out to impress or sway your opinions !

 

shouts of divest , decolization are among some of the chants .

“always wondered about the leftist intellectuals who supported Stalin, and those aristocratic sympathizers and peace activists who excused Hitler. Today’s Hamas apologists and atrocity-deniers, with their robotic denunciations of “settler-colonialism,” belong to the same tradition but worse”: 

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/decolonization-narrative-dangerous-and-false/675799/

 

2 hours ago, riclag said:

it makes sense !

why does the present Marxist demonstrators need a mask or cover their faces in scarfs ! To conceal their identity , thats why!

 

 

The dem soon to retire Gov cooper will veto the bill . But  the new Gop Gov Mark Robinson if elected will reenact legislation again and sign it into law.

 

methinks

New york city is struggling with this ,along with NC!

Jewish leaders call for new NYC mask ban after explosion of antisemitic protests by mobs with hidden faces.

 

“An explosion of blatant antisemitism by anti-Israel protesters in New York — nearly all of whom cover their faces to avoid being publicly identified — is leading some Jewish leaders to call for the return of an anti-mask law that was previously used to fight the hoods of the Ku Klux Klan”

https://nypost.com/2024/06/12/us-news/jewish-leaders-call-for-new-mask-ban-to-fight-antisemsitic-hate/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Purdey]

[stevenl]

7 hours ago, riclag said:

Not Sorry it triggers you ! Im not out to impress or sway your opinions !

 

shouts of divest , decolization are among some of the chants .

“always wondered about the leftist intellectuals who supported Stalin, and those aristocratic sympathizers and peace activists who excused Hitler. Today’s Hamas apologists and atrocity-deniers, with their robotic denunciations of “settler-colonialism,” belong to the same tradition but worse”: 

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/decolonization-narrative-dangerous-and-false/675799/

 

New york city is struggling with this ,along with NC!

Jewish leaders call for new NYC mask ban after explosion of antisemitic protests by mobs with hidden faces.

 

“An explosion of blatant antisemitism by anti-Israel protesters in New York — nearly all of whom cover their faces to avoid being publicly identified — is leading some Jewish leaders to call for the return of an anti-mask law that was previously used to fight the hoods of the Ku Klux Klan”

https://nypost.com/2024/06/12/us-news/jewish-leaders-call-for-new-mask-ban-to-fight-antisemsitic-hate/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for again underlining your lack of knowledge of the terminology you use.

 

It doesn't trigger me at all, it just shows you really don't know what you're talking about.