Republican senators in North Carolina passed a bill making it illegal to wear masks in public, repealing pandemic-era exemptions that allowed masks for health reasons. The bill called the "Unmasking Mobs and Criminals" bill, passed along party lines despite objections from some Democrats. The bill aims to enhance penalties for wearing masks during crimes and intentionally blocking traffic during demonstrations. Supporters say it addresses escalating protests over Palestine, but critics argue it criminalizes normal behavior and health precautions. The ACLU calls it "deeply troubling" and suppressing dissent when existing laws already ban the targeted crimes.
