Today the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), Jews for Mask Rights, and New York Doctors Coalition sent letters to Governor Hochul, President Pro Tempore Stewart-Cousins, and Speaker Heastie calling on them to ensure no legislation banning masks advances in New York State this session. The letters detail how banning masks threatens New Yorkers’ health and safety; foments antisemitism; gives police a new pretextual reason to stop, surveil, and scrutinize New Yorkers; and undermines protections for those engaged in political protest.
Nearly 100 organizations, 250 health care providers, and 300 Jewish leaders signed on in support of the letters. Organizational signatories include civil rights and racial justice advocates, health care providers, public health experts, Jewish and AAPI organizations, defenders of the First Amendment and the right to protest, criminal legal system reform organizations, public defenders, LGBTQIA+ and HIV/AIDs advocates, disability justice organizations, immigrants’ rights advocates, environmental justice organizations, privacy advocates, and more.
Additional info: Full press release