In Oklahoma, Wearing Your Hoodie In Public Could Soon Bring A $500 Fine

[Machiavelli]

In Oklahoma, Wearing Your Hoodie In Public Could Soon Bring A $500 Fine
The Inquisitr
January 3, 2015

An Oklahoma lawmaker has introduced a bill that would make wearing a hoodie — the popular cold-weather garment that protects your face and head from the elements — a crime punishable by a fine of up to $500, KFOR (Oklahoma City) is reporting.

Ostensibly, the proposed hoodie ban is meant to make Oklahoma safer from people who would conceal their identity, but civil liberties groups argue the ban is little more than another means of racial profiling.

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Oklahoma Legislator Proposes Hoodie Ban
Denver Nicks
Time
January 1, 2015

... Similar laws are already on the books in 10 states around the country, including Florida, California, New York and Washington, DC...

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Full text of bill:

STATE OF OKLAHOMA

1st Session of the 55th Legislature (2015)

SENATE BILL 13 By: Barrington

AS INTRODUCED

An Act relating to crime and punishments; amending 21 O.S. 2011, Section 1301, which relates to masks, hoods and disguises; modifying certain restrictions; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:

SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 21 O.S. 2011, Section 1301, is amended to read as follows:

Section 1301. It shall be unlawful for any person in this state to:

A. To wear a mask, hood or covering, which conceals the identity of the wearer during the commission of a crime or for the purpose of coercion, intimidation or harassment; or

B. To intentionally conceal his or her identity in a public place by means of a robe, mask, or other disguise.

Provided, the provisions of Section 1301 et seq. of this title shall not apply to the pranks of children on Halloween, to those going to, or from, or participating in masquerade parties, to those participating in any public parade or exhibition of an educational, religious or historical character, to those wearing coverings required by their religious beliefs, for safety or medical purposes, or incidental to protection from the weather, to those participating in any meeting of any organization within any building or enclosure wholly within and under the control of said organization, and to those participating in the parades or exhibitions of minstrel troupes, circuses, sporting groups, mascots or other amusements or dramatic shows.

Any person, or persons, violating the provisions of this section, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than Fifty Dollars ($50.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not exceeding one (1) year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

SECTION 2. It being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage and approval.

55-1-227 BH 12/5/2014 4:05:08 PM

[ABX]

I know it is convenient to take the Trayvon pop culture side on this, but seriously, think for a moment. WTF does the government have the authority to tell us we can wear a hoodie, mask, or anything else?

This is about as logical as saggy pants laws.

The government should never be in the fashion police business.

If a free citizen wants to wear a mask, a hood, saggy pants, or whatever, it is none of the government's  business.

[Machiavelli]

It's a stupid idea and I'll be surprised if it flies.

[dancer]

 

I know it is convenient to take the Trayvon pop culture side on this, but seriously, think for a moment. WTF does the government have the authority to tell us we can wear a hoodie, mask, or anything else?

This is about as logical as saggy pants laws.

The government should never be in the fashion police business.

If a free citizen wants to wear a mask, a hood, saggy pants, or whatever, it is none of the government's  business.

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who objects to this.  Hoodies?  Really?    White kids wear hoodies all the time.   Stay out of our lives, politicians. 

[Free Vulcan]

I know it is convenient to take the Trayvon pop culture side on this, but seriously, think for a moment. WTF does the government have the authority to tell us we can wear a hoodie, mask, or anything else?

This is about as logical as saggy pants laws.

The government should never be in the fashion police business.

If a free citizen wants to wear a mask, a hood, saggy pants, or whatever, it is none of the government's  business.

Totally agree. Just cuz the gangstas coopt something doesn't mean you outlaw it.