Wearing masks is illegal???
- Thread starter GhostRider66
- Start date
- Status
RevDisk
Member
Personally, I would have handed over the Grinch mask. Obviously, the police officers in question are more entitled to be wearing it.
Odd, I've worn masks before without police doing anything about it. I have neck gaiters issued to me by the Army that I've worn, as well as polar fleece balaclavas. I'll be darned if I'm gonna follow any govt dress code when they're not paying me to wear funny looking clothing.
That's it. From here on out, I'm gonna wear a k-pot and mask everywhere!
CGofMP
Member
I guess hooded outfits are out too huh?
Lotsa unabombers running round I guess....
Other OBVIOUS criminals:
Additional charges filed for CONSPIRACY to mask:
Jury Nullification anyone?
Lotsa unabombers running round I guess....
Other OBVIOUS criminals:
Additional charges filed for CONSPIRACY to mask:
Jury Nullification anyone?
gunsmith
member
I will not take off my mask
I will not even if you ask.
I will not do it on a dare,I will wear it everywhere.
I will wear it in the jail,I will wear it out on bail.
I will wear it in my school (I don't like the golden rule).
I really love my Grinch like mask and DR Seuss he is a gas!
I will not even if you ask.
I will not do it on a dare,I will wear it everywhere.
I will wear it in the jail,I will wear it out on bail.
I will wear it in my school (I don't like the golden rule).
I really love my Grinch like mask and DR Seuss he is a gas!
gc70
Member
From the sound of it, the gentleman in question metaphorically thumbed his nose at the cops by putting the mask back on and the cops promptly invoked their right to enforce a because-it's-Thursday-and-we-feel-like-it law.
Of course we wouldn't want normal citizens to be able to avail themselves of the anonymity of a mask, but I'm sure there is an exception for law enforcement.
Of course we wouldn't want normal citizens to be able to avail themselves of the anonymity of a mask, but I'm sure there is an exception for law enforcement.
beerslurpy
member
I'm surprised they didnt arrest him for stealing christmas.
I was under the crazy impression that people could still be arrested for committing crimes whether or not they were wearing masks. Unless its one of those special masks that makes you invulnerable or something. I mean, its not like the police can have a warrant for some guy and go to his house and if he answers in a wookie mask, they will be like "oh sorry mister chewbacca, you arent the droid we're looking for" or maybe they would because the weak minded are easily swayed by the power of the force. There are limits to the awesome law-evading powers of even an expensive latex mask.
Anyway, some cops are retards. I could have told you this beforehand. Wouldnt it have been enough to merely see that the guy under the mask was not a wanted criminal and then go on their way? Or is this too much like common sense?
I was under the crazy impression that people could still be arrested for committing crimes whether or not they were wearing masks. Unless its one of those special masks that makes you invulnerable or something. I mean, its not like the police can have a warrant for some guy and go to his house and if he answers in a wookie mask, they will be like "oh sorry mister chewbacca, you arent the droid we're looking for" or maybe they would because the weak minded are easily swayed by the power of the force. There are limits to the awesome law-evading powers of even an expensive latex mask.
Anyway, some cops are retards. I could have told you this beforehand. Wouldnt it have been enough to merely see that the guy under the mask was not a wanted criminal and then go on their way? Or is this too much like common sense?
Archie
Member
So.....
How many of you who think 'mask control' is a demonically inspired plot by the leftwing socialist - etc. have called or written your state legislator person thingie and suggested it be repealed?
That's one thing I like about these United States, what gets writ into law can get un writ.
Sic'em. Be polite.
How many of you who think 'mask control' is a demonically inspired plot by the leftwing socialist - etc. have called or written your state legislator person thingie and suggested it be repealed?
That's one thing I like about these United States, what gets writ into law can get un writ.
Sic'em. Be polite.
igor
Member
beerslurpy, u o me a double cortado, a new keyboard, a bunch of monitor wipes and two aspirins for my aching ribs.
GhostRider66
Member
The vagueness of this portion would make me even more nervous. It seems that it would be widely open to interpretation of the officer. Sun glasses, shooting glasses (gun-related), etc. might certainly qualify. Also, I wonder how this applies to women wearing ordinary makeup. I've seen some who really layer it on and I'd bet you couldn't recognize them in a before/after lineup without it. Just seems like another excuse to bring a charge on someone they couldn't get otherwise. I wish they would keep it simple. Commit a burglary, robbery, assault, etc, get arrested and charged for that. I just don't see the justification here.
Henry Bowman
Senior Member
You're not really much of a poet either, are you?
thorn726
Member
OK- incident that made this make sense to me.
so i was outside a little club, around midnight, with a few other non threatening types.
four young men approach, start standing around us. this club is in a heavy drug area (16th and mission for the SF people)
now these guys are talking amongst themselves, sort of using our group as cover to make themselves look like they arent just "on the corner"
WELL- i am having a smoke, one of these guys comes right next to me leaning on the wall- he's looking at me, you know , putting some pressure on me- well he has a mask on. like a ski thing, covering everything but his eyes.
I WAS FRIGHTENED. i am not that small a guy, but this angry looking dude next t ome, face totally covered, i am thinking- this guy could just stab me and i will have no clue whatsoever what he even looks like.
the guy knew he was scaring me a little, kept standing there, looknig at me, standing tough, eventually he went away but it was very not fun, and i really was extra frightened by the mask, the fact that he knew no one could ID him.
also- in the city, there are so many criminals who have warrants, get let out without bail, etc, who would love to be able to hide their faces all the time.
stuff like that makes me see there is some decent logic to laws regarding masks
so i was outside a little club, around midnight, with a few other non threatening types.
four young men approach, start standing around us. this club is in a heavy drug area (16th and mission for the SF people)
now these guys are talking amongst themselves, sort of using our group as cover to make themselves look like they arent just "on the corner"
WELL- i am having a smoke, one of these guys comes right next to me leaning on the wall- he's looking at me, you know , putting some pressure on me- well he has a mask on. like a ski thing, covering everything but his eyes.
I WAS FRIGHTENED. i am not that small a guy, but this angry looking dude next t ome, face totally covered, i am thinking- this guy could just stab me and i will have no clue whatsoever what he even looks like.
the guy knew he was scaring me a little, kept standing there, looknig at me, standing tough, eventually he went away but it was very not fun, and i really was extra frightened by the mask, the fact that he knew no one could ID him.
also- in the city, there are so many criminals who have warrants, get let out without bail, etc, who would love to be able to hide their faces all the time.
stuff like that makes me see there is some decent logic to laws regarding masks
GhostRider66
Member
Thorn,
I understand your fear and I have no doubt that there are those that would use masks as you indicated. However, because they do and because people may fear certain things is hardly a basis for condemning what, in and of itself, is a harmless or mundane act because it may be used by some as and aid in committing or getting away with another crime is, at least in my estimation, very dangerous. If we begin to pass laws based on what may or may not cause fear but in most circumstances actually poses no threat then where would we end up. Actually and in great probability being black, young, male or Hispanic could be judged criminal. I've read a number of stories on how many people fear those of a percieved 'dangerous' demographic more than those not from said demographic. However founded or unfounded a fear may be (while no actual threat is posed) should add little weight when considering criminal acts. It's just too slippery a slope to go down.
I understand your fear and I have no doubt that there are those that would use masks as you indicated. However, because they do and because people may fear certain things is hardly a basis for condemning what, in and of itself, is a harmless or mundane act because it may be used by some as and aid in committing or getting away with another crime is, at least in my estimation, very dangerous. If we begin to pass laws based on what may or may not cause fear but in most circumstances actually poses no threat then where would we end up. Actually and in great probability being black, young, male or Hispanic could be judged criminal. I've read a number of stories on how many people fear those of a percieved 'dangerous' demographic more than those not from said demographic. However founded or unfounded a fear may be (while no actual threat is posed) should add little weight when considering criminal acts. It's just too slippery a slope to go down.
thorn726
Member
well i dunno man but letting folks walk around city streets at night in bad bad hoods with their faces covered, i dunno, seems like a license to commit crimes.
trying to link this to racial issues is a REAL stretch.
what legit reason is there in SF (never below 45 degrees) to wear a face mask other than needing to hide your appearance to rob???
there are pletny of exceptions to the law, not like a parade or street party mask wearer is going to jail.....................
trying to link this to racial issues is a REAL stretch.
what legit reason is there in SF (never below 45 degrees) to wear a face mask other than needing to hide your appearance to rob???
there are pletny of exceptions to the law, not like a parade or street party mask wearer is going to jail.....................
RevDisk
Member
What legitimate use is there to have cryptological programs on your computer, other than to hide criminal content? What legitimate use is there for firearms, other to shoot innocent kids, nuns and kittens? Heck, with that logic, you might as well say why don't all law abidding persons wear devices that can track them 24/7 and monitor any of their activities?
Overstated? Somewhat yes.
The burden of proof is not on us, it is on the state to prove we are guilty. Wearing a specific type of CLOTHING is now a crime. Remember that guy that got roughed up for wearing a helmet and a vest? He committed no crimes, and got roughed up without a good reason. A person wearing a mask for any non-criminal purpuses should not have to justify themselves.
If the cops want to ask a person a few questions because they're looking out of place, fine. Reasonable. Understandable. Arresting someone for wearing a piece of clothing? Lunacy. The law should be taken off the books, and the police officers should be reprimanded for lacking judgement. (A firm slap on both wrists would probably do the job. Maybe a minute or two in the time-out corner.) They were following the letter of the law, sure. But I question their judgement in this matter.
Ironworker
Member
- Joined
- Mar 27, 2005
- Messages
- 76
" the face is so hidden, concealed, or covered as to conceal the identity of the wearer"
Ahh, so this is how Michael Jackson gets away with wearing one without being arrested for it.
Ahh, so this is how Michael Jackson gets away with wearing one without being arrested for it.
BigRedBowtie
Member
The Gumper lives!!
for the rest of you, sorry- humor among goalies.
Who is the Gumper?
Relevant is that Gump Worsley was one of the last maskless goalies in the NHL.
Andrew Rothman
Member
Yeah, it's really a law. Jeez.
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/WVCODE...b\wwwroot\WVCODE\61\WVC 61 - 6 - 22 .htm
§61-6-22. Wearing masks, hoods or face coverings.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person, whether in a motor vehicle or otherwise, while wearing any mask, hood or device whereby any portion of the face is so covered as to conceal the identity of the wearer, may:
(1) Come into or appear upon any walk, alley, street, road, highway or other thoroughfare dedicated to public use;
(2) Come into or appear in any trading area, concourse, waiting room, lobby or foyer open to, used by or frequented by the general public;
(3) Come into or appear upon or within any of the grounds or buildings owned, leased, maintained or operated by the state or any political subdivision thereof;
(4) Ask, request, or demand entrance or admission to the premises, enclosure, dwelling or place of business of any other person within this state; or
(5) Attend or participate in any meeting upon private property of another unless written permission for such meeting has first been obtained from the owner or occupant thereof.
(b) The provisions of this section do not apply to any person:
(1) Under sixteen years of age;
(2) Wearing a traditional holiday costume;
(3) Engaged in a trade or employment where a mask, hood or device is worn for the purpose of ensuring the physical safety of the wearer;
(4) Using a mask, hood or device in theatrical productions, including use in mardi gras celebrations or similar masquerade balls;
(5) Wearing a mask, hood or device prescribed for civil defense drills, exercises or emergencies; or
(6) Wearing a mask, hood or device for the sole purpose of protection from the elements or while participating in a winter sport.
(c) Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned in the county jail not more than one year, or both fined and imprisoned.
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/WVCODE...b\wwwroot\WVCODE\61\WVC 61 - 6 - 22 .htm
§61-6-22. Wearing masks, hoods or face coverings.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person, whether in a motor vehicle or otherwise, while wearing any mask, hood or device whereby any portion of the face is so covered as to conceal the identity of the wearer, may:
(1) Come into or appear upon any walk, alley, street, road, highway or other thoroughfare dedicated to public use;
(2) Come into or appear in any trading area, concourse, waiting room, lobby or foyer open to, used by or frequented by the general public;
(3) Come into or appear upon or within any of the grounds or buildings owned, leased, maintained or operated by the state or any political subdivision thereof;
(4) Ask, request, or demand entrance or admission to the premises, enclosure, dwelling or place of business of any other person within this state; or
(5) Attend or participate in any meeting upon private property of another unless written permission for such meeting has first been obtained from the owner or occupant thereof.
(b) The provisions of this section do not apply to any person:
(1) Under sixteen years of age;
(2) Wearing a traditional holiday costume;
(3) Engaged in a trade or employment where a mask, hood or device is worn for the purpose of ensuring the physical safety of the wearer;
(4) Using a mask, hood or device in theatrical productions, including use in mardi gras celebrations or similar masquerade balls;
(5) Wearing a mask, hood or device prescribed for civil defense drills, exercises or emergencies; or
(6) Wearing a mask, hood or device for the sole purpose of protection from the elements or while participating in a winter sport.
(c) Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned in the county jail not more than one year, or both fined and imprisoned.
rritter
Member
So, Matt, that sounds like the law would prohibit the use of full-face motorcycle helmets in the summer. None of the exceptions seem to apply, except for professional riders who could claim the "trade or employment safety" exemption. I guess it would be legal in the winter, since it would then count as a winter sport.
TallPine
Member
Well, Tonto ... now what do I do ....?
chas_martel
Member
What implications does this have for the Burka wearing crowd????
They gonna keep outta Texas because of it????
Oh wait, guess not, I've seen 'em driving around Dallas.
Why do they get off the hook on this law?
They gonna keep outta Texas because of it????
Oh wait, guess not, I've seen 'em driving around Dallas.
Why do they get off the hook on this law?
thorn726
Member
ultimately (although yeah a bit overstated) i have to agree outlawing clothing seems a bit ridiculous however=
what about me, not a cop, i am not tiny but not about to fight a gang of thugs.
for the incident i was describing, it was fairly frightening, and most of it was the guy KNEW he was intimidating me with the fact his ID was concealed.
WELL OK++!!! you know what? if CCW were attainable, i would not have been nearly as worried, but still i have trouble with this.
they came up too fast, too close, in a semi crowded area.
you run, you get hit in the back
he decides to clock me, theres a brick wall right behind me to smash my head on.
all of this only became apparent because i knew and he knew he was masked.
and were i a little old lady, what then? again, a gun would be nice but on some level i want not to give these guys the opportunity in the first place.
if they do something i want to be able to pick the guy from a line up.
if i can at least depend on police to stop and question people walking around high crime areas with masks on , i guess that helps
dustind
Member
Oh great. Once again I find out that I have been committing a crime for years and did not know it. I use my motorcycle as a daily driver and I always wear a ski mask under my full face helmet. Even in the summer.
I always take the mask off about a second after the helmet, and only put it on about two seconds before the helmet, but I guess that is irrelivent and I am a criminal. Luckily no police so far have minded or known about the law.
This is just further proof that some laws should not be respected, and that "ignorance is no excuse" is wrong. No human being can remember every law that applies to them, and everyone is a criminal. How many people here have researched their state laws for every subject that applies to them? I bet most of us, even though we know a lot more about the law than the average joe, do not know a small fraction of the laws that pertain to us.
Edit: Sorry for the negative tone of that post, but stupid laws really get to me. And we have a lot of stupid laws in this country.
I always take the mask off about a second after the helmet, and only put it on about two seconds before the helmet, but I guess that is irrelivent and I am a criminal. Luckily no police so far have minded or known about the law.
This is just further proof that some laws should not be respected, and that "ignorance is no excuse" is wrong. No human being can remember every law that applies to them, and everyone is a criminal. How many people here have researched their state laws for every subject that applies to them? I bet most of us, even though we know a lot more about the law than the average joe, do not know a small fraction of the laws that pertain to us.
Edit: Sorry for the negative tone of that post, but stupid laws really get to me. And we have a lot of stupid laws in this country.
Last edited:
- Status