Surge in Support for Mask Ban in New York Amid Rising Hate Incidents

[Social Media]

 

A new poll reveals that a staggering 75% of New Yorkers support implementing a mask ban, a measure propelled by recent troubling incidents of anti-Jewish harassment. The survey, conducted by Mercury Public Affairs for the civil rights coalition #UnMaskHateNY, underscores a growing consensus across diverse demographics that public safety must take precedence over unrestricted anonymity during protests.

 

The poll, which questioned 800 voters between December 16 and 20, 2024, found that 68% of respondents believe that while protecting free speech is crucial, it must be balanced with public safety. Only 23% supported the idea that individuals should have the right to wear whatever they choose, regardless of their behavior. These sentiments have been amplified by rising concerns about hate crimes, with 60% of voters indicating that discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or religion is worsening.

 

The survey highlighted heightened fears among Jewish voters, with 74% reporting that they feel discrimination and harassment have increased. Similarly, 67% of Black voters, 68% of Asian voters, and 76% of Jewish voters expressed concerns about being targeted due to their identity.

 

The sharp increase in antisemitic incidents, especially following the October 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israel, has spurred frequent anti-Israel protests, many of which have seen masked individuals engaging in acts of intimidation and hate. In response, the #UnMaskHateNY coalition has urged state lawmakers to pass a mask ban akin to one used to curb Ku Klux Klan activities in the early 20th century.

 

Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League and a former Mayor of New Orleans, reflected on the historical context, stating, "There is no denying a link between anonymity and abuse, and we can never let that portion of our history return again into the present day."

 

Eric Goldstein, CEO of the UJA Federation of New York, supported the call for regulation, emphasizing the need for safety and accountability. He remarked, "These survey results reflect a state united against hate and a shared commitment to fostering safety in our public spaces."

 

Proposed legislation in New York, which would allow medical and religious exemptions, aims to impose penalties ranging from violations to Class A misdemeanors for those wearing masks during hate-filled acts. Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz, one of the bill's sponsors, argued that the overwhelming support for this measure is a clear signal to lawmakers to take action.

 

However, opposition exists. The NY Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) has formed a coalition against the mask ban, arguing that it could lead to selective enforcement and undermine protections for those with disabilities and individuals engaging in political protests. Allie Bohm, senior policy counsel at NYCLU, stated, "Criminalizing masks puts New Yorkers’ health and safety at risk, opens the floodgates for selective and racially-biased enforcement, and undermines protections for political protest."

 

Based on a report by NYP 2024-01-15

 

 

[thaibeachlovers]

Sooooooo, masks DON'T stop transmission of respiratory diseases after all?

 

This is going to be a hard one for all the mask advocates to accept.

[Bkk Brian]

2 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Sooooooo, masks DON'T stop transmission of respiratory diseases after all?

 

This is going to be a hard one for all the mask advocates to accept.

Actually this is a hard one for the terrorist supporters to accept. Now they'll have to show their faces in public, all that's left for them to hide is on a forum or social media anonymously.

[ballpoint]

I misread the headline as "Surge in Support for Musk Ban in New York Amid Rising Hate Incidents". 

Though I suppose that would have the same end result.

[connda]

We've come full circle - and it's hilarious!