1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my concern about the proposed bill that would ban the wearing of masks in Maryland, which is being debated by a coalition of lawmakers. While the bill cites "masked intimidation" at protests as a reason for the legislation, I believe it could have harmful consequences for many people in our state, especially marginalized communities. The bill's penalties—90 days in prison or a $500 fine for the first offense—are troubling, especially since it places the responsibility on police officers to determine who has "legitimate" reasons for wearing a mask, including health and religious needs. This creates a dangerous precedent that could put vulnerable populations at risk, particularly BIPOC and those who are immunocompromised or disabled. Furthermore, the bill could reduce overall mask usage at a time when COVID-19, flu, and RSV cases are surging. Just this January, the Maryland Department of Health recommended universal masking in healthcare settings to combat these threats. Given this, it's critical we do everything we can to support public health measures, not undermine them. I urge you to vote against this bill or amend it to protect the rights and health of Maryland residents. The bill is set to be debated in the Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, February 18th. Please ensure our state continues to prioritize health, safety, and fairness for all.