A new poll finds an overwhelming majority of New York state residents support a law that would ban the wearing of masks in public during protests to expose hate and criminal activity.
A poll conducted by Mercury Public Affairs for the civil rights coalition #UnMaskHateNY found that a staggering 75% of voters support a mask ban, with support across all demographics.
More than two-thirds (68%) of the 800 respondents questioned said that protecting the right to free speech during protests is important, but it must be balanced with public safety. It said it does not apply to those who terrorize others by committing acts of hatred or harassment.
According to the survey, only 23% of 800 respondents said they believe people should be able to wear what they choose, regardless of their behavior.
About 60% of voters believe that hatred and harassment based on a person's race, ethnicity, or religious affiliation is worse than it has been in the past, while only 12% say it is better than before. It turned out that %.
But an astonishing 74% of Jewish voters surveyed said discrimination and harassment was worse than two-thirds of older voters over 65.
Meanwhile, 55% of voters feel less safe, including 58% of older voters and 60% of women.
Additionally, 50% of voters surveyed said they were concerned they could be the victim of targeted harassment or hate crimes.
But the numbers have jumped among minorities: 67% of Black voters, 68% of Asian voters;
76% of Jewish voters are concerned about being discriminated against.
Numerous reports and studies have revealed an explosion of anti-Semitism against Jewish New Yorkers and Americans in the wake of Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Since the attack, anti-Israel protests have become common in response to the ongoing war in Gaza.
Members of the #UnMaskHateNY coalition want the state to pass a mask ban similar to the long-standing mask ban they say helped take down the Ku Klux Klan after it terrorized black Americans in the 1900s. He said it was for Congress to act and approve.
New York state's previous face covering ban was lifted during the height of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, when masks were put in place during the peak of the outbreak to curb the spread of the deadly disease. was considered essential.
The proposed new law would include medical and religious exemptions that would allow people to wear masks.
Long Island's Republican-run Nassau County approved local approval last August, and the measure has so far withstood court scrutiny.
“I am a son of the Jim Crow South and remember a time when people who wore masks wore them to avoid responsibility while terrorizing families like mine. ” said Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League and former mayor of New Orleans. .
“The link between anonymity and abuse is undeniable and we can never bring that part of our history back into the present,” he said.
Eric Goldstein, CEO of the UJA Federation in New York, said the organization “supports mask-wearing regulations as an important step to increase safety for everyone.” .
“These findings reflect our state's shared commitment to uniting against hate and promoting safety and accountability in public spaces,” Goldstein said.
Penalties for those who defy this measure and intentionally wear masks during hateful protests, vandalism, or other crimes range from violation to aggravated harassment, with a suspended sentence of one year in prison. It could become a Class A misdemeanor, bill officials said. The sponsor is Congressman Jeff Dinowitz (D-Bronx).
The survey was conducted by Mercury Public Affairs from December 16-20, 2024 among 800 active voters. The sampling includes mobile phones and landlines.
The margin of error is plus or minus 3.46 percentage points.
