Queens Councilwoman Ariola Proposes Ban on Ski Masks to Curb Public Anonymity

On Thursday, September 12th, Queens Councilwoman Joann Ariola introduced a bill to ban ski masks in New York City. The bill specifically targets masks often worn by protestors to obscure their identity, which Ariola, who represents City Council District 32, argues encourages people to commit crimes without fear of being identified. “When their faces are visible and easily identifiable, would-be criminals may think twice before breaking the law,” Ariola said in a statement. The proposal, now gaining bipartisan support, seeks to address concerns over public safety by limiting anonymity in public spaces.

Ariola’s bill has already garnered support from City Councilman Bob Holden (District 30) and City Councilman Kalman Yeager (District 44). A spokesperson for Ariola expressed confidence in the bill’s success, noting that similar legislation passed in Philadelphia in 2023. The law would prohibit ski masks, defined as “a close-fitting garment covering the whole head and face with holes for the eyes, mouth, or nose” in public areas, schools, and childcare facilities. However, exceptions would be made for religious purposes, costumes, and specific work-related scenarios.

New York State Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz (Assembly District 81) has also proposed a statewide bill to reinstate a mask ban that was previously lifted during the COVID-19 pandemic. His bill has found support from both Democratic lawmakers and civil rights groups, indicating growing political consensus on the issue.

Under Ariola’s proposed legislation, violators could face a $250 fine, though the fine could be refunded if they attend a court proceeding.

The bill’s introuction comes as New York City faces an uptick in protests where participants frequently use ski masks to hide their identities. Queens Councilwoman Ariola believes that enforcing this ban will contribute significantly to public safety and accountability. “This is a big step in the right direction when it comes to public safety in this city,” she emphasized during the bill’s announcement.

Notably, Long Island’s Nassau County recently passed the Mask Transparency Act, accomplishing the same feat that Councilwoman Ariola is fighting for. Signed by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, violators of the law who wear a mask or face covering in public are charged with a misdemeanor offense, with the punishment being a $1,000 fine or upwards of a year in jail. 

The proposal’s focus on addressing anonymity in public spaces is seen as an effort to enhance law enforcement’s ability to prevent crime. The debate surrounding this bill will likely intensify as it moves through legislative channels, with Ariola and her supporters confident it will pass in the near future.