SMFH

[Townsend]

Oklahoma Senator Draws Fire after 'Hoodie Ban' Outrage



http://publicradiotulsa.org/post/oklahoma-senator-draws-fire-after-hoodie-ban-outrage

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A state senator who says he was trying to protect law enforcement has instead come under fire from people who think he's trying to ban hoodies in Oklahoma.

Republican Sen. Don Barrington of Lawton says his office has been flooded with calls and emails since stories began circulating on social media about a bill he introduced ahead of the upcoming legislative session.

Barrington's bill doesn't mention hoodies, but would make it illegal for someone to conceal his or her identity in public by using a "robe, mask, or other disguise." The language would amend a section of law originally targeting the Ku Klux Klan.

He says he was prompted in part by mask-wearing protesters who rallied at the Capitol in recent years and caused problems for security.

[guido911]

I just don't see what the wadded up panties are all about over this. But Alex Jones seems to think so, because we have to have the "oh-so-original" Guy Fawkes mask wearing @-holes, or people wearing bandanas over their face as if they are robbing a train, at protests.

http://www.infowars.com/okla-lawmaker-proposes-hoodie-ban/

LOVE this post from the comments to the above article: "Thou shalt not hinder the surveillance state." Immediately thought of patric and Vashta....

[patric]

Fine. Here's what legal professionals are saying:


This bill is an affront to fundamental rights, including the rights of of free speech and privacy. No one should worry about retaliation or retribution because they choose to attend a rally or a protest, which is precisely why the First Amendment protects anonymous speech in these instances. It is no less concerning that such a vague and overly-broad law would invite selective enforcement and over-policing of otherwise law-abiding people.

For lawmakers who campaign against Government overreach, voting against this bill would be a great way to practice what they preach.
Ryan Kiesel, ACLU


Here in Oklahoma, it has been illegal to use a hood, mask, or disguise for criminal conduct for over 90 years. This bill does nothing whatsoever to strengthen that law or to prevent or punish crime. Instead, this bill specifically targets only law-abiding individuals. Worse yet, the bill explicitly attempts to criminalize protected First Amendment rights. This bill would turn Oklahoma law enforcement into literally "the fashion police." What it proposes is both unnecessary and unconstitutional. Instead of bringing criminals to justice, this bill is far more likely to land the State of Oklahoma in the courtroom.
Brady Henderson, ACLU

[heironymouspasparagus]

Now I know for sure... I HAVE to get a Guy Fawkes mask!!  If nothing else, so guido will know me walking down the street....