(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A Chicago alderman proposing enhanced penalties for those who commit crime while wearing masks, says time is of the essence as the Democratic Convention is approaching.
Alderman Ray Lopez (15th) sa hide wants to make it clear, he's not proposing a mask ban.
Under the proposal, penalties would be enhanced for a conviction if a person tried to conceal their identity by wearing a mask while committing a crime.
It would apply to serious crimes and minor infractions like trespassing and blocking the public way.
"There would be some that would say that it didn't go broad enough.We know that there are plenty of crimes that this can accompany. And oftentimes those are the crimes that we are seeing people wear these masks, these ninja masks and ski masks."
Under the ordinance, there would be added jail time, fines and community service for committing crimes while wearing masks.
"I do know that there are some individuals trying to organize against this ordinance, saying that it's a violation of their right to health. This is not a ban on masks.
"It simply says that if you are going to commit a crime and are intentionally wearing that mask for the purpose of concealing your identity, then we're going to have some enhancements to the crime."
Lopez says he's still working on drumming up support among his colleagues.
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