Mask bans are nothing new. Georgia, for instance, banned masks in 1951 to prevent Ku Klux Klan members from covering their faces in public, a law the Georgia Supreme Court upheld in 1990. North Carolina passed a similar law in 1953, which banned masks but allowed exceptions for things like Halloween costumes and, as of 2020, health concerns.
However, that looks like it is about to end. The North Carolina Senate recently passed a bill 30-15, along party lines, that would end allowances for public mask-wearing for health reasons. The bill is currently before the House. Like the 1953 law, this is clearly targeted at a specific group–the pro-Palestinian protesters--and includes increased penalties for those breaking the law.
While you may have your opinions one way or another about this proposed law, you need to know if and how this will affect your employees — even if your business is not in North Carolina. At least 18 states have some form of anti-masking laws on the books, and the ACLU recently sent out a notice stating that those states may now try to enforce these laws. In fact, the Ohio Attorney General has already warned universities that masked student protesters could be charged with felonies.
To keep reading, click here: North Carolina Wants to Make a Big Change to Mask Rules. What It Might Mean for You
Would these laws be an ADA violation if someone needs to mask for a disability?
“…end allowances for public mask-wearing for health reasons”?!? But I might risk my health by getting beat up if I protest without a mask!