1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

Criminal behavior is wrong. Antisemitism is wrong. Mask bans are also wrong. Masks are an effective tool for personal and public health. Stop conflating mask use with criminality. As someone who masks regularly to protect my health, I find the “unmasking hate” slogan highly offensive and inaccurate. The authors of the this legislation say their intent is not to ban medical masks, but the wording of their bill reads otherwise. This will be misused to target innocent masked citizens. Any medically vulnerable person who is forced to unmask is at risk of serious health consequences. Americans have the right to protect our health. If a protester (or anyone else) commits a crime, there are already laws in place to address that. There’s no need for a mask ban. It will only further generate hostility towards people who mask for medical reasons. I’m just trying to live my life safely. And yes, that does include attending crowded functions. I have the right to go to concerts, services, school, take public transportation, etc. That is my choice. Mitigating that risk by wearing a mask is also my choice. You cannot tell citizens they are not entitled to go places anymore because of their medical status.