Oppose further stigmatization of mask wearing vulnerable individuals

I’m writing to express my strong opposition to the new legislation that would criminalize wearing a mask while "evading arrest." This is dangerously misguided. Every day, countless New Yorkers—including the elderly, cancer patients, the immunocompromised, and those who care for them—wear masks to protect their health and the health of their loved ones. Criminalizing mask wearing, even in limited circumstances, stigmatizes a basic public health practice that has become part of daily life for millions. The extremely rare cases where individuals might use a mask to evade arrest are utterly dwarfed by the far greater number of people responsibly masking for legitimate health reasons. It is completely insensible—and deeply harmful—to associate mask wearing with criminality in any way. This law sends the wrong message and puts vulnerable New Yorkers at further risk. I urge you to oppose it.