1. United States
2. Okla.
3. Letter

As the author of HB 3581, you have significant influence over how this legislation shapes the rights of Oklahomans. I am writing to urge you to reconsider the bill’s ban on masks at protests, which poses a serious threat to the right to protest safely and freely. By prohibiting masks, HB 3581 exposes protesters to heightened risks of surveillance, retaliation, and intimidation. In an era of advanced facial recognition technology and political polarization, anonymity is often essential for individuals to exercise their First Amendment rights without fear of reprisal. Removing that protection has a chilling effect on lawful, peaceful protest. Public safety and civil liberties are not mutually exclusive. Policies that discourage participation in civic life through fear of identification or targeting ultimately weaken democratic engagement rather than protect it. I strongly urge you to amend or withdraw HB 3581 to ensure that the right to peaceful assembly remains meaningful and accessible to all.