PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A proposal currently before City Council would ban ski masks in public buildings. Councilmember Anthony Phillips introduced the bill with 10 co-sponsors — enough to pass it.
Phillips says ski masks are both a safety issue and a quality of life issue. He says the proliferation of masks stymies police and intimidates ordinary citizens, who he says have been asking for this legislation.
Related
“Our seniors, mothers, fathers, aunts feel intimidated in their own neighborhoods,” Phillips said.
Phillips noted that, before the COVID-19 pandemic, anyone wearing a ski mask in the city would be assumed to be planning criminal activity — and many still are.
“Before the pandemic, no one would have defended wearing a ski mask in 90-degree heat. There’s simply no reasonable justification for what we’re seeing play out in this city.” he said.
His bill would impose a $250 fine just for wearing a ski mask in a public building — such as a recreation center or library — and a $2,000 fine for wearing a ski mask while committing a crime.
Phillips blames rapper Pooh Sheisty for making ski masks a fashion trend, thus making it impossible to tell teenagers trying to be hip from criminals trying to hide their identities.
“You cannot distinguish a misguided kid from a common criminal. That is a problem,” he said.
Phillips said he hopes to send this message: “Parents, stop letting your children wear ski masks. Stop buying them for your children. And young people, stop wearing them.”
SEPTA has banned ski masks on public transit. Phillips hopes private businesses will forbid them on their premises too.
Related
Washington, D.C.; New York City, and several states have also instituted bans.
Also at this week’s session, City Council members introduced resolutions to study the feasibility of a Roosevelt Boulevard subway, and of using drones to fight crime, and establish a reparations task force to suggest ways to compensate Philadelphians descended from slaves.
Council did not take up the budget, which must pass before its summer recess. The Council president says they are waiting for the Planning Commission to approve the capital budget, a technical requirement before the operating budget can pass.
Related
Related
