A recent survey reveals that a significant majority of New Yorkers favor a law banning mask-wearing during protests, citing concerns about hate crimes and public safety. The poll, conducted by Mercury Public Affairs on behalf of the civil rights coalition #UnMaskHateNY, found that 75% of respondents back such a measure.
Public Opinion on Mask-Wearing
According to the survey:
- 75% of voters support a ban on masks in public protests.
- 68% believe that while free speech is important, it must be balanced with public safety. They argue that freedom of expression does not extend to acts of harassment or hateful behavior.
- Only 23% of respondents support unrestricted mask-wearing, regardless of behavior.
Additionally, 60% of voters feel less safe today, with concerns particularly high among elderly individuals (58%) and women (60%). Alarmingly, half of those surveyed expressed fear of being targeted by harassment or hate crimes. These concerns are even higher among minorities, with:
- 67% of Black voters
- 68% of Asian voters
- 76% of Jewish voters expressing worry about discrimination.
Rising Concerns Over Hate Crimes
The poll also highlights heightened fears about hate and harassment:
- 74% of Jewish voters believe discrimination is worse now than in the past.
- Overall, 60% of respondents said hate crimes based on race, ethnicity, or religion have escalated in recent years.
This anxiety comes against the backdrop of growing antisemitism and hate crimes following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. Numerous reports indicate that anti-Israel protests have become more common, often escalating into harassment and intimidation.
Call for Action: “Unmask Hate”
Advocates for the mask ban argue that unmasking protesters is a critical step in promoting accountability and safety. Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League, reflected on his experiences in the Jim Crow South, noting the historical connection between anonymity and abuse:
“There is no denying a link between anonymity and abuse, and we can never let that portion of our history return again into the present day.”
Eric Goldstein, CEO of the UJA Federation of New York, echoed these sentiments:
“These survey results reflect a state united against hate and a shared commitment to fostering safety and accountability in our public spaces.”
Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz (D-Bronx), one of the bill’s sponsors, highlighted the need for swift action:
“For months, we’ve watched in horror as masked individuals have used face coverings to threaten and terrorize others with impunity — including in front of synagogues and October 7th memorials. The overwhelming support for anti-masked harassment legislation should be a clear wake-up call to lawmakers.”
The proposed legislation would impose penalties for mask use during hate-filled protests or acts of vandalism, ranging from violations to aggravated harassment, which carries a potential one-year jail sentence. The law would include medical and religious exemptions.
Opposition to the Mask Ban
However, the proposal has faced criticism from groups like the NY Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), which argues that such measures could lead to selective enforcement and infringe on civil liberties. Allie Bohm, senior policy counsel at the NYCLU, stated:
“Criminalizing masks puts New Yorkers’ health and safety at risk, opens the floodgates for selective and racially-biased enforcement, and undermines protections for people engaging in political protest.”
Historical Context and Legal Precedents
New York previously had a mask ban aimed at groups like the Ku Klux Klan. That law was repealed during the COVID-19 pandemic to accommodate public health needs. More recently, Nassau County’s Republican-led legislature passed a local mask ban in August 2024, which has withstood legal challenges so far.
Survey Details
The Mercury Public Affairs survey was conducted from December 16 to December 20, 2024, among 800 active voters via cellphones and landlines. The margin of error is ±3.46 percentage points.
The debate continues as lawmakers weigh the balance between safety, accountability, and civil liberties. For now, the survey reflects a strong public desire to unmask hate and foster safer public spaces in New York.