UPDATE: A new version of the New York mask ban proposal just dropped — and we need to shut it down. Governor Hochul is now pushing a policy that would punish people for wearing a mask if accused of other offenses (like menacing or harassment). In a time where dissent is being criminalized, this will only make our communities less safe.
Let’s be clear: Hochul and state lawmakers are weaponizing real fears about Jewish safety in order to curb freedom of speech, increase government surveillance, and fuel growing authoritarianism.
In addition to being devastating for disabled and immunocompromised people, criminalizing masks will allow police to target Black, brown, disabled, poor, trans, and queer people — including Jewish people among them. Saying no to any mask ban means protecting each other and protecting democracy — and we know thriving democracy is an antidote to the dangers of fascism.
Use this easy tool to call your legislators and demand that they say no to a mask ban.
Here’s how to take action:
→ Have your phone near you. After you complete this form you'll get a call connecting you directly to New York State legislators.
→ After clicking "Make the Call," do NOT press it again; there might be a slight delay before you receive your call.
→ When you're ready to be moved to the next call, please press * (STAR). DO NOT HANG UP.
Here's your script:
Hi, this is { Your Name }. I am a constituent and member of Bend the Arc: Jewish Action in New York. I’m calling to urge you to oppose any legislation that penalizes masking in the budget or beyond, including sentencing enhancements. This kind of policy punishes people for protecting their health and disproportionately harms marginalized communities that are already over-policed.
Governor Hochul and the original cosponsors of the mask ban bill are saying that criminalizing masks will fight antisemitism and keep Jews safe. As a Jew, I wholeheartedly disagree — it will do the opposite.
Criminalizing face coverings puts people's health at risk — especially people with disabilities. It will be selectively enforced against target Black, brown, disabled, poor, trans, and queer people — including Jewish people among them.
In New York’s history, mask bans have been used to curb freedom of speech and increase government surveillance. There’s no reason to assume a sentencing enhancement for wearing a mask wouldn’t be similarly utilized to selectively silence protestors the police disagree with. We know from our history that freedom of protest and strong democracies keep Jews safe.