home.social

#maskbans — Public Fediverse posts

Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #maskbans, aggregated by home.social.

  1. THREAT MODEL: COVID 🦠
    for Apr. 9th, 2026
    by independent journalist @violetblue

    - New OECD analysis of the economics of #LongCovid

    - How children may be at increased risk for BA.3.2 "Cicada"

    - New study: Covid transmission in families with children is common

    - #3Dprinting air purifiers

    - The connection between Covid and "everyday antifascism"

    - Eye symptoms may be a sign of higher-severity Long Covid

    - Journalist @juliametraux of @motherjonesmag is looking to interview #StillCOVIDing folks about their experiences with mask harassment and #maskbans

    ...and much more.

    ✨THREAT MODEL is free to read -- please help keep it accessible to all by becoming a patron, even $1 a month makes a difference!✨

    patreon.com/posts/covid-april-

    #ThreatModel #ThreatModelCovid #ThreatModelNewsletters #VioletBlue #COVIDnews #PublicHealth #CovidIsNotOver

  2. THREAT MODEL: COVID 🦠
    for Apr. 9th, 2026
    by independent journalist @violetblue

    - New OECD analysis of the economics of #LongCovid

    - How children may be at increased risk for BA.3.2 "Cicada"

    - New study: Covid transmission in families with children is common

    - #3Dprinting air purifiers

    - The connection between Covid and "everyday antifascism"

    - Eye symptoms may be a sign of higher-severity Long Covid

    - Journalist @juliametraux of @motherjonesmag is looking to interview #StillCOVIDing folks about their experiences with mask harassment and #maskbans

    ...and much more.

    ✨THREAT MODEL is free to read -- please help keep it accessible to all by becoming a patron, even $1 a month makes a difference!✨

    patreon.com/posts/covid-april-

    #ThreatModel #ThreatModelCovid #ThreatModelNewsletters #VioletBlue #COVIDnews #PublicHealth #CovidIsNotOver

  3. Three #AntiProtestLaws recently passed in #Arizona, #Kentucky and #Texas

    Source: icnl.org/usprotestlawtracker/

    Arizona
    HB 2880: Banning #protest #encampments on #campus

    Bars protest encampments on the campuses of state colleges and universities. Under the new law, individuals or groups that establish an “encampment” are no longer lawfully present on campus for the purpose of speech protections under Arizona law; they are criminally liable to prosecution for trespass; and they are liable for any damage they cause, including the "direct and indirect costs" of removing the encampment and "restoring" campus. The new law defines “encampment” as “temporary shelter” installed on campus and used to stay overnight or “for a prolonged period of time.” The law requires colleges and universities to order individuals to dismantle and vacate any encampment; if the individuals refuse to comply, the institution is required to take disciplinary action and report the individuals to local law enforcement for trespassing. The sponsor of the new law said that it was motivated by #ProPalestine protests on college campuses.
    Full bill text:
    apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/Bill

    Status: enacted

    Introduced 12 Feb 2025; Approved by House 3 March 2025; Approved by Senate 30 April 2025; Signed by Governor Hobbs 7 May 2025

    Issue(s): #CampusProtests, #Trespass, Camping

    Kentucky
    HB 399: New penalties for protesters at the capitol

    Creates serious new criminal offenses that can cover #PeacefulProtesters at the state capitol, as well as anyone who “conspires” with or otherwise supports them. The first new offense applies to someone who enters the capitol, or impedes access to the capitol by a legislator or legislative staff, with intent to disrupt or impede legislative business—regardless of whether legislative business was in fact “impeded.” “Conspir[ing]” to engage in such conduct or “facilitat[ing]” another person to engage in the conduct is subject to the same penalties as actually engaging in it. It is a Class B misdemeanor (punishable by up to 3 months in jail) for a first incident, and a Class A misdemeanor (up to one year in jail) for subsequent incident. The law creates a second, more serious offense for someone who engages in “disorderly or disruptive conduct” inside the Capitol with intent to disrupt or impede legislative business, if their conduct in fact “disrupts” or “impedes” the legislature’s business—even momentarily. As written, the offense could cover a demonstrator who shouts a single chant during a legislative hearing. “Conspir[ing]” to engage in such conduct or “facilitat[ing]” another person to engage in the conduct is subject to the same penalties as actually engaging in it. The offense would be a Class A misdemeanor (punishable by up to one year in jail) for the first incident, and a Class D felony (up to 5 years in prison) for third and subsequent incident. Prior to passing the bill, lawmakers added an amendment which provides that the law will not be construed "to prohibit... [a]ssembly in traditional public forums, including but not limited to the Capitol rotunda and outdoor areas of the Capitol grounds." While helpful, the amendment does not immunize all peaceful protest activity that the law could potentially punish, including protest organizing. When he vetoed the bill (later overridden), Governor Beshear noted the risks it poses to lawful #FirstAmendment activity.
    Full bill text:
    apps.legislature.ky.gov/record

    Status: enacted

    Introduced 6 Feb 2025; Approved by House 7 March 2025; Approved by Senate 13 March 2025; Vetoed by Governor Beshear 25 March 2025; Veto overridden 27 March 2025

    Issue(s): Protest Supporters or Funders, Police Response

    Texas
    #SB2972: New restrictions on #CampusProtests

    Requires public colleges and universities to adopt new limitations on campus protests that among other things would ban protest encampments, limit protesters’ ability to wear a mask, and restrict vigils and other demonstrations at night. Under the law—which revises Texas’s 2019 law on campus speech—all public colleges and universities in the state must have policies that among other things prohibit: a) erecting tents or otherwise “camping” on campus; b) wearing a mask or other disguise while engaging in “expressive activities” on campus with certain intent, including intent to “intimidate others;” c) engaging in “expressive activities” between 10pm and 8am; d) engaging in “expressive activities” in the last two weeks of a school term by inviting speakers or using sound amplification or drums; and e) using sound amplification while engaging in “expressive activities” during class hours if it “intimidate[s] others.” Preexisting provisions of the law define “expressive activities” broadly as “any speech or expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment,” including but not limited to assemblies, protests, speeches, carrying signs, or distributing written material. As such, colleges and universities would seemingly be required to ban all kinds of expression between 10pm and 8am, from conversations in the dining hall to someone sending a text or wearing expressive clothing. The law repeals a provision in the 2019 law that established all common outdoor areas of campus as traditional public forums where anyone could engage in First Amendment activity, and replaced it with a provision authorizing the governing boards of schools to designate select areas as public forums.
    Full bill text: capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/H

    Status: enacted

    Introduced 14 Mar 2025; Approved by Senate 14 May 2025; Approved by House 28 May 2025; Signed by Governor Abbott 20 June 2025

    Issue(s): Campus Protests, Face Covering, Camping

    #USPol #CriminalizingProtest #CriminalizingDissent #AntiProtestLaws #TexasProtestLaws #KentuckyProtestLaws #ArizonaProtestLaws #ClothingBans #CollegeCampusProtests #MaskBans #EncampmentBans

  4. Three #AntiProtestLaws recently passed in #Arizona, #Kentucky and #Texas

    Source: icnl.org/usprotestlawtracker/

    Arizona
    HB 2880: Banning #protest #encampments on #campus

    Bars protest encampments on the campuses of state colleges and universities. Under the new law, individuals or groups that establish an “encampment” are no longer lawfully present on campus for the purpose of speech protections under Arizona law; they are criminally liable to prosecution for trespass; and they are liable for any damage they cause, including the "direct and indirect costs" of removing the encampment and "restoring" campus. The new law defines “encampment” as “temporary shelter” installed on campus and used to stay overnight or “for a prolonged period of time.” The law requires colleges and universities to order individuals to dismantle and vacate any encampment; if the individuals refuse to comply, the institution is required to take disciplinary action and report the individuals to local law enforcement for trespassing. The sponsor of the new law said that it was motivated by #ProPalestine protests on college campuses.
    Full bill text:
    apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/Bill

    Status: enacted

    Introduced 12 Feb 2025; Approved by House 3 March 2025; Approved by Senate 30 April 2025; Signed by Governor Hobbs 7 May 2025

    Issue(s): #CampusProtests, #Trespass, Camping

    Kentucky
    HB 399: New penalties for protesters at the capitol

    Creates serious new criminal offenses that can cover #PeacefulProtesters at the state capitol, as well as anyone who “conspires” with or otherwise supports them. The first new offense applies to someone who enters the capitol, or impedes access to the capitol by a legislator or legislative staff, with intent to disrupt or impede legislative business—regardless of whether legislative business was in fact “impeded.” “Conspir[ing]” to engage in such conduct or “facilitat[ing]” another person to engage in the conduct is subject to the same penalties as actually engaging in it. It is a Class B misdemeanor (punishable by up to 3 months in jail) for a first incident, and a Class A misdemeanor (up to one year in jail) for subsequent incident. The law creates a second, more serious offense for someone who engages in “disorderly or disruptive conduct” inside the Capitol with intent to disrupt or impede legislative business, if their conduct in fact “disrupts” or “impedes” the legislature’s business—even momentarily. As written, the offense could cover a demonstrator who shouts a single chant during a legislative hearing. “Conspir[ing]” to engage in such conduct or “facilitat[ing]” another person to engage in the conduct is subject to the same penalties as actually engaging in it. The offense would be a Class A misdemeanor (punishable by up to one year in jail) for the first incident, and a Class D felony (up to 5 years in prison) for third and subsequent incident. Prior to passing the bill, lawmakers added an amendment which provides that the law will not be construed "to prohibit... [a]ssembly in traditional public forums, including but not limited to the Capitol rotunda and outdoor areas of the Capitol grounds." While helpful, the amendment does not immunize all peaceful protest activity that the law could potentially punish, including protest organizing. When he vetoed the bill (later overridden), Governor Beshear noted the risks it poses to lawful #FirstAmendment activity.
    Full bill text:
    apps.legislature.ky.gov/record

    Status: enacted

    Introduced 6 Feb 2025; Approved by House 7 March 2025; Approved by Senate 13 March 2025; Vetoed by Governor Beshear 25 March 2025; Veto overridden 27 March 2025

    Issue(s): Protest Supporters or Funders, Police Response

    Texas
    #SB2972: New restrictions on #CampusProtests

    Requires public colleges and universities to adopt new limitations on campus protests that among other things would ban protest encampments, limit protesters’ ability to wear a mask, and restrict vigils and other demonstrations at night. Under the law—which revises Texas’s 2019 law on campus speech—all public colleges and universities in the state must have policies that among other things prohibit: a) erecting tents or otherwise “camping” on campus; b) wearing a mask or other disguise while engaging in “expressive activities” on campus with certain intent, including intent to “intimidate others;” c) engaging in “expressive activities” between 10pm and 8am; d) engaging in “expressive activities” in the last two weeks of a school term by inviting speakers or using sound amplification or drums; and e) using sound amplification while engaging in “expressive activities” during class hours if it “intimidate[s] others.” Preexisting provisions of the law define “expressive activities” broadly as “any speech or expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment,” including but not limited to assemblies, protests, speeches, carrying signs, or distributing written material. As such, colleges and universities would seemingly be required to ban all kinds of expression between 10pm and 8am, from conversations in the dining hall to someone sending a text or wearing expressive clothing. The law repeals a provision in the 2019 law that established all common outdoor areas of campus as traditional public forums where anyone could engage in First Amendment activity, and replaced it with a provision authorizing the governing boards of schools to designate select areas as public forums.
    Full bill text: capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/H

    Status: enacted

    Introduced 14 Mar 2025; Approved by Senate 14 May 2025; Approved by House 28 May 2025; Signed by Governor Abbott 20 June 2025

    Issue(s): Campus Protests, Face Covering, Camping

    #USPol #CriminalizingProtest #CriminalizingDissent #AntiProtestLaws #TexasProtestLaws #KentuckyProtestLaws #ArizonaProtestLaws #ClothingBans #CollegeCampusProtests #MaskBans #EncampmentBans

  5. Three #AntiProtestLaws recently passed in #Arizona, #Kentucky and #Texas

    Source: icnl.org/usprotestlawtracker/

    Arizona
    HB 2880: Banning #protest #encampments on #campus

    Bars protest encampments on the campuses of state colleges and universities. Under the new law, individuals or groups that establish an “encampment” are no longer lawfully present on campus for the purpose of speech protections under Arizona law; they are criminally liable to prosecution for trespass; and they are liable for any damage they cause, including the "direct and indirect costs" of removing the encampment and "restoring" campus. The new law defines “encampment” as “temporary shelter” installed on campus and used to stay overnight or “for a prolonged period of time.” The law requires colleges and universities to order individuals to dismantle and vacate any encampment; if the individuals refuse to comply, the institution is required to take disciplinary action and report the individuals to local law enforcement for trespassing. The sponsor of the new law said that it was motivated by #ProPalestine protests on college campuses.
    Full bill text:
    apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/Bill

    Status: enacted

    Introduced 12 Feb 2025; Approved by House 3 March 2025; Approved by Senate 30 April 2025; Signed by Governor Hobbs 7 May 2025

    Issue(s): #CampusProtests, #Trespass, Camping

    Kentucky
    HB 399: New penalties for protesters at the capitol

    Creates serious new criminal offenses that can cover #PeacefulProtesters at the state capitol, as well as anyone who “conspires” with or otherwise supports them. The first new offense applies to someone who enters the capitol, or impedes access to the capitol by a legislator or legislative staff, with intent to disrupt or impede legislative business—regardless of whether legislative business was in fact “impeded.” “Conspir[ing]” to engage in such conduct or “facilitat[ing]” another person to engage in the conduct is subject to the same penalties as actually engaging in it. It is a Class B misdemeanor (punishable by up to 3 months in jail) for a first incident, and a Class A misdemeanor (up to one year in jail) for subsequent incident. The law creates a second, more serious offense for someone who engages in “disorderly or disruptive conduct” inside the Capitol with intent to disrupt or impede legislative business, if their conduct in fact “disrupts” or “impedes” the legislature’s business—even momentarily. As written, the offense could cover a demonstrator who shouts a single chant during a legislative hearing. “Conspir[ing]” to engage in such conduct or “facilitat[ing]” another person to engage in the conduct is subject to the same penalties as actually engaging in it. The offense would be a Class A misdemeanor (punishable by up to one year in jail) for the first incident, and a Class D felony (up to 5 years in prison) for third and subsequent incident. Prior to passing the bill, lawmakers added an amendment which provides that the law will not be construed "to prohibit... [a]ssembly in traditional public forums, including but not limited to the Capitol rotunda and outdoor areas of the Capitol grounds." While helpful, the amendment does not immunize all peaceful protest activity that the law could potentially punish, including protest organizing. When he vetoed the bill (later overridden), Governor Beshear noted the risks it poses to lawful #FirstAmendment activity.
    Full bill text:
    apps.legislature.ky.gov/record

    Status: enacted

    Introduced 6 Feb 2025; Approved by House 7 March 2025; Approved by Senate 13 March 2025; Vetoed by Governor Beshear 25 March 2025; Veto overridden 27 March 2025

    Issue(s): Protest Supporters or Funders, Police Response

    Texas
    #SB2972: New restrictions on #CampusProtests

    Requires public colleges and universities to adopt new limitations on campus protests that among other things would ban protest encampments, limit protesters’ ability to wear a mask, and restrict vigils and other demonstrations at night. Under the law—which revises Texas’s 2019 law on campus speech—all public colleges and universities in the state must have policies that among other things prohibit: a) erecting tents or otherwise “camping” on campus; b) wearing a mask or other disguise while engaging in “expressive activities” on campus with certain intent, including intent to “intimidate others;” c) engaging in “expressive activities” between 10pm and 8am; d) engaging in “expressive activities” in the last two weeks of a school term by inviting speakers or using sound amplification or drums; and e) using sound amplification while engaging in “expressive activities” during class hours if it “intimidate[s] others.” Preexisting provisions of the law define “expressive activities” broadly as “any speech or expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment,” including but not limited to assemblies, protests, speeches, carrying signs, or distributing written material. As such, colleges and universities would seemingly be required to ban all kinds of expression between 10pm and 8am, from conversations in the dining hall to someone sending a text or wearing expressive clothing. The law repeals a provision in the 2019 law that established all common outdoor areas of campus as traditional public forums where anyone could engage in First Amendment activity, and replaced it with a provision authorizing the governing boards of schools to designate select areas as public forums.
    Full bill text: capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/H

    Status: enacted

    Introduced 14 Mar 2025; Approved by Senate 14 May 2025; Approved by House 28 May 2025; Signed by Governor Abbott 20 June 2025

    Issue(s): Campus Protests, Face Covering, Camping

    #USPol #CriminalizingProtest #CriminalizingDissent #AntiProtestLaws #TexasProtestLaws #KentuckyProtestLaws #ArizonaProtestLaws #ClothingBans #CollegeCampusProtests #MaskBans #EncampmentBans

  6. Three #AntiProtestLaws recently passed in #Arizona, #Kentucky and #Texas

    Source: icnl.org/usprotestlawtracker/

    Arizona
    HB 2880: Banning #protest #encampments on #campus

    Bars protest encampments on the campuses of state colleges and universities. Under the new law, individuals or groups that establish an “encampment” are no longer lawfully present on campus for the purpose of speech protections under Arizona law; they are criminally liable to prosecution for trespass; and they are liable for any damage they cause, including the "direct and indirect costs" of removing the encampment and "restoring" campus. The new law defines “encampment” as “temporary shelter” installed on campus and used to stay overnight or “for a prolonged period of time.” The law requires colleges and universities to order individuals to dismantle and vacate any encampment; if the individuals refuse to comply, the institution is required to take disciplinary action and report the individuals to local law enforcement for trespassing. The sponsor of the new law said that it was motivated by #ProPalestine protests on college campuses.
    Full bill text:
    apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/Bill

    Status: enacted

    Introduced 12 Feb 2025; Approved by House 3 March 2025; Approved by Senate 30 April 2025; Signed by Governor Hobbs 7 May 2025

    Issue(s): #CampusProtests, #Trespass, Camping

    Kentucky
    HB 399: New penalties for protesters at the capitol

    Creates serious new criminal offenses that can cover #PeacefulProtesters at the state capitol, as well as anyone who “conspires” with or otherwise supports them. The first new offense applies to someone who enters the capitol, or impedes access to the capitol by a legislator or legislative staff, with intent to disrupt or impede legislative business—regardless of whether legislative business was in fact “impeded.” “Conspir[ing]” to engage in such conduct or “facilitat[ing]” another person to engage in the conduct is subject to the same penalties as actually engaging in it. It is a Class B misdemeanor (punishable by up to 3 months in jail) for a first incident, and a Class A misdemeanor (up to one year in jail) for subsequent incident. The law creates a second, more serious offense for someone who engages in “disorderly or disruptive conduct” inside the Capitol with intent to disrupt or impede legislative business, if their conduct in fact “disrupts” or “impedes” the legislature’s business—even momentarily. As written, the offense could cover a demonstrator who shouts a single chant during a legislative hearing. “Conspir[ing]” to engage in such conduct or “facilitat[ing]” another person to engage in the conduct is subject to the same penalties as actually engaging in it. The offense would be a Class A misdemeanor (punishable by up to one year in jail) for the first incident, and a Class D felony (up to 5 years in prison) for third and subsequent incident. Prior to passing the bill, lawmakers added an amendment which provides that the law will not be construed "to prohibit... [a]ssembly in traditional public forums, including but not limited to the Capitol rotunda and outdoor areas of the Capitol grounds." While helpful, the amendment does not immunize all peaceful protest activity that the law could potentially punish, including protest organizing. When he vetoed the bill (later overridden), Governor Beshear noted the risks it poses to lawful #FirstAmendment activity.
    Full bill text:
    apps.legislature.ky.gov/record

    Status: enacted

    Introduced 6 Feb 2025; Approved by House 7 March 2025; Approved by Senate 13 March 2025; Vetoed by Governor Beshear 25 March 2025; Veto overridden 27 March 2025

    Issue(s): Protest Supporters or Funders, Police Response

    Texas
    #SB2972: New restrictions on #CampusProtests

    Requires public colleges and universities to adopt new limitations on campus protests that among other things would ban protest encampments, limit protesters’ ability to wear a mask, and restrict vigils and other demonstrations at night. Under the law—which revises Texas’s 2019 law on campus speech—all public colleges and universities in the state must have policies that among other things prohibit: a) erecting tents or otherwise “camping” on campus; b) wearing a mask or other disguise while engaging in “expressive activities” on campus with certain intent, including intent to “intimidate others;” c) engaging in “expressive activities” between 10pm and 8am; d) engaging in “expressive activities” in the last two weeks of a school term by inviting speakers or using sound amplification or drums; and e) using sound amplification while engaging in “expressive activities” during class hours if it “intimidate[s] others.” Preexisting provisions of the law define “expressive activities” broadly as “any speech or expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment,” including but not limited to assemblies, protests, speeches, carrying signs, or distributing written material. As such, colleges and universities would seemingly be required to ban all kinds of expression between 10pm and 8am, from conversations in the dining hall to someone sending a text or wearing expressive clothing. The law repeals a provision in the 2019 law that established all common outdoor areas of campus as traditional public forums where anyone could engage in First Amendment activity, and replaced it with a provision authorizing the governing boards of schools to designate select areas as public forums.
    Full bill text: capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/H

    Status: enacted

    Introduced 14 Mar 2025; Approved by Senate 14 May 2025; Approved by House 28 May 2025; Signed by Governor Abbott 20 June 2025

    Issue(s): Campus Protests, Face Covering, Camping

    #USPol #CriminalizingProtest #CriminalizingDissent #AntiProtestLaws #TexasProtestLaws #KentuckyProtestLaws #ArizonaProtestLaws #ClothingBans #CollegeCampusProtests #MaskBans #EncampmentBans

  7. Three #AntiProtestLaws recently passed in #Arizona, #Kentucky and #Texas

    Source: icnl.org/usprotestlawtracker/

    Arizona
    HB 2880: Banning #protest #encampments on #campus

    Bars protest encampments on the campuses of state colleges and universities. Under the new law, individuals or groups that establish an “encampment” are no longer lawfully present on campus for the purpose of speech protections under Arizona law; they are criminally liable to prosecution for trespass; and they are liable for any damage they cause, including the "direct and indirect costs" of removing the encampment and "restoring" campus. The new law defines “encampment” as “temporary shelter” installed on campus and used to stay overnight or “for a prolonged period of time.” The law requires colleges and universities to order individuals to dismantle and vacate any encampment; if the individuals refuse to comply, the institution is required to take disciplinary action and report the individuals to local law enforcement for trespassing. The sponsor of the new law said that it was motivated by #ProPalestine protests on college campuses.
    Full bill text:
    apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/Bill

    Status: enacted

    Introduced 12 Feb 2025; Approved by House 3 March 2025; Approved by Senate 30 April 2025; Signed by Governor Hobbs 7 May 2025

    Issue(s): #CampusProtests, #Trespass, Camping

    Kentucky
    HB 399: New penalties for protesters at the capitol

    Creates serious new criminal offenses that can cover #PeacefulProtesters at the state capitol, as well as anyone who “conspires” with or otherwise supports them. The first new offense applies to someone who enters the capitol, or impedes access to the capitol by a legislator or legislative staff, with intent to disrupt or impede legislative business—regardless of whether legislative business was in fact “impeded.” “Conspir[ing]” to engage in such conduct or “facilitat[ing]” another person to engage in the conduct is subject to the same penalties as actually engaging in it. It is a Class B misdemeanor (punishable by up to 3 months in jail) for a first incident, and a Class A misdemeanor (up to one year in jail) for subsequent incident. The law creates a second, more serious offense for someone who engages in “disorderly or disruptive conduct” inside the Capitol with intent to disrupt or impede legislative business, if their conduct in fact “disrupts” or “impedes” the legislature’s business—even momentarily. As written, the offense could cover a demonstrator who shouts a single chant during a legislative hearing. “Conspir[ing]” to engage in such conduct or “facilitat[ing]” another person to engage in the conduct is subject to the same penalties as actually engaging in it. The offense would be a Class A misdemeanor (punishable by up to one year in jail) for the first incident, and a Class D felony (up to 5 years in prison) for third and subsequent incident. Prior to passing the bill, lawmakers added an amendment which provides that the law will not be construed "to prohibit... [a]ssembly in traditional public forums, including but not limited to the Capitol rotunda and outdoor areas of the Capitol grounds." While helpful, the amendment does not immunize all peaceful protest activity that the law could potentially punish, including protest organizing. When he vetoed the bill (later overridden), Governor Beshear noted the risks it poses to lawful #FirstAmendment activity.
    Full bill text:
    apps.legislature.ky.gov/record

    Status: enacted

    Introduced 6 Feb 2025; Approved by House 7 March 2025; Approved by Senate 13 March 2025; Vetoed by Governor Beshear 25 March 2025; Veto overridden 27 March 2025

    Issue(s): Protest Supporters or Funders, Police Response

    Texas
    #SB2972: New restrictions on #CampusProtests

    Requires public colleges and universities to adopt new limitations on campus protests that among other things would ban protest encampments, limit protesters’ ability to wear a mask, and restrict vigils and other demonstrations at night. Under the law—which revises Texas’s 2019 law on campus speech—all public colleges and universities in the state must have policies that among other things prohibit: a) erecting tents or otherwise “camping” on campus; b) wearing a mask or other disguise while engaging in “expressive activities” on campus with certain intent, including intent to “intimidate others;” c) engaging in “expressive activities” between 10pm and 8am; d) engaging in “expressive activities” in the last two weeks of a school term by inviting speakers or using sound amplification or drums; and e) using sound amplification while engaging in “expressive activities” during class hours if it “intimidate[s] others.” Preexisting provisions of the law define “expressive activities” broadly as “any speech or expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment,” including but not limited to assemblies, protests, speeches, carrying signs, or distributing written material. As such, colleges and universities would seemingly be required to ban all kinds of expression between 10pm and 8am, from conversations in the dining hall to someone sending a text or wearing expressive clothing. The law repeals a provision in the 2019 law that established all common outdoor areas of campus as traditional public forums where anyone could engage in First Amendment activity, and replaced it with a provision authorizing the governing boards of schools to designate select areas as public forums.
    Full bill text: capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/H

    Status: enacted

    Introduced 14 Mar 2025; Approved by Senate 14 May 2025; Approved by House 28 May 2025; Signed by Governor Abbott 20 June 2025

    Issue(s): Campus Protests, Face Covering, Camping

    #USPol #CriminalizingProtest #CriminalizingDissent #AntiProtestLaws #TexasProtestLaws #KentuckyProtestLaws #ArizonaProtestLaws #ClothingBans #CollegeCampusProtests #MaskBans #EncampmentBans

  8. I was quoted in this Teen Vogue article about mask bans and the harm they pose for the disability community.

    This is the kind of inclusive journalism Teen Vogue has been doing for years.

    If Bezos purchases them, it’ll be the end to stories about disability, trans rights, immigrant rights etc:

    teenvogue.com/story/mask-bans-

    #uspol #bezos #fascism #journalism #COVIDisAirborne #maskbans #wearamask

  9. I was quoted in this Teen Vogue article about mask bans and the harm they pose for the disability community.

    This is the kind of inclusive journalism Teen Vogue has been doing for years.

    If Bezos purchases them, it’ll be the end to stories about disability, trans rights, immigrant rights etc:

    teenvogue.com/story/mask-bans-

    #uspol #bezos #fascism #journalism #COVIDisAirborne #maskbans #wearamask

  10. Normalize saying "unidentified" kidnappers, cops, etc. rather than "masked":

    1) A naked face is only an identity if you can get it on camera and make it viral - which most victims can't. Names, badge numbers or IDs will get us a lot farther than noses.

    2) The logic of mask bans kills people.

    #COVIDcautious #covidconscious #MaskBans #maskup #ICERaids #AbolishICE #protest #resist #SaltingTheVibe #SaltingTheVibes #yallmasking

  11. You guys, Mamdani was the only Democratic candidate running who categorically opposed mask bans

    He was running against an establishment man with name recognition, huge amounts of funding & a history of abandoning the most vulnerable to die of covid

    This feels like a huge win for vulnerable people

    #uspoli #nyx #fascism #maskbans #disability #mamdani

  12. You guys, Mamdani was the only Democratic candidate running who categorically opposed mask bans

    He was running against an establishment man with name recognition, huge amounts of funding & a history of abandoning the most vulnerable to die of covid

    This feels like a huge win for vulnerable people

    #uspoli #nyx #fascism #maskbans #disability #mamdani

  13. Please, as mask bans continue to accelerate, we need everyone to wear N95 masks in all public settings, indoors, outdoors, in photos.

    I am begging you to put disabled kids survival first. My child cannot mask due to an upper airway restriction, unrepairable open palate and other health complications. We have been homebound for most of their 10 years of life.

    It is heartbreaking to witness the forced isolation, ostracism, ableist abuse, and celebration of eugenics culture from the left. We need everyone to be fighting for permanent N95 masks in mandates in all medical facilities. #ableism #AntiAbleism #MedicalIndustrialComplex #disabled #maskbans #eugenics

  14. Please, as mask bans continue to accelerate, we need everyone to wear N95 masks in all public settings, indoors, outdoors, in photos.

    I am begging you to put disabled kids survival first. My child cannot mask due to an upper airway restriction, unrepairable open palate and other health complications. We have been homebound for most of their 10 years of life.

    It is heartbreaking to witness the forced isolation, ostracism, ableist abuse, and celebration of eugenics culture from the left. We need everyone to be fighting for permanent N95 mask mandates in all medical facilities. #ableism #AntiAbleism #MedicalIndustrialComplex #disabled #maskbans #eugenics

  15. This is why disabled people have been begging you to mask up for years.

    This is why we’ve said that mask bans pose a threat to our survival.

    This is why we don’t want folks to say ICE agents are “wearing masks”.

    Society is being conditioned to see masking as “bad”.

    It will kill us.

    For more on mask bans, my article from last year when North Carolina passed a state wide ban:

    disabledginger.com/p/north-car

    #uspol #fascism #nokings #wearamask #ableism #eugenics #maskbans #abolishice

  16. This is why disabled people have been begging you to mask up for years.

    This is why we’ve said that mask bans pose a threat to our survival.

    This is why we don’t want folks to say ICE agents are “wearing masks”.

    Society is being conditioned to see masking as “bad”.

    It will kill us.

    For more on mask bans, my article from last year when North Carolina passed a state wide ban:

    disabledginger.com/p/north-car

    #uspol #fascism #nokings #wearamask #ableism #eugenics #maskbans #abolishice

  17. ICE agents cover their faces with gators, yet in Nassau County you can be arrested for wearing an N95.

    It’s not about health. It’s not about crime. It’s about protecting the surveillance state and punishing people with disabilities.

    Thankfully no one got arrested for masking, but the fact that an unidentified ICE agent hiding their entire face could legally detain you just for protecting your health is the height of fascism and eugenics.

    Great reporting from Mother Jones

    motherjones.com/politics/2025/

    #ice #abolishice #nokings #ableism #eugenics #maskbans #fascism

  18. ICE agents cover their faces with gators, yet in Nassau County you can be arrested for wearing an N95.

    It’s not about health. It’s not about crime. It’s about protecting the surveillance state and punishing people with disabilities.

    Thankfully no one got arrested for masking, but the fact that an unidentified ICE agent hiding their entire face could legally detain you just for protecting your health is the height of fascism and eugenics.

    Great reporting from Mother Jones

    motherjones.com/politics/2025/

    #ice #abolishice #nokings #ableism #eugenics #maskbans #fascism

  19. If you’re going to the No Kings protest in Nassau County, be aware they have a mask ban (including respirators).

    The “medical exemption” is 100% police discretion. You have to prove you’re “sick enough” to mask.

    Mask bans are the result of people refusing to help disabled folks normalize masking.

    If more people had masked for public health, they would have been harder to ban.

    We begged for solidarity.

    We said we didn’t want to be left by the wayside.

    We screamed about the risks of Long Covid.

    We referenced ugly laws from the past.

    It didn’t matter. Non disabled people wanted to go “back to normal”, and now we’re stuck fighting discriminatory bans.

    #nokings #uspol #fascism #disability #maskbans #wearamask #covidisairborne #eugenics #ableism

  20. If you’re going to the No Kings protest in Nassau County, be aware they have a mask ban (including respirators).

    The “medical exemption” is 100% police discretion. You have to prove you’re “sick enough” to mask.

    Mask bans are the result of people refusing to help disabled folks normalize masking.

    If more people had masked for public health, they would have been harder to ban.

    We begged for solidarity.

    We said we didn’t want to be left by the wayside.

    We screamed about the risks of Long Covid.

    We referenced ugly laws from the past.

    It didn’t matter. Non disabled people wanted to go “back to normal”, and now we’re stuck fighting discriminatory bans.

    #nokings #uspol #fascism #disability #maskbans #wearamask #covidisairborne #eugenics #ableism

  21. Those who've been tracking #MaskBans since the start won't be too surprised. Solidarity with LA protestors and mask blocs! Take action: StopMaskBans.com

  22. Those who've been tracking #MaskBans since the start won't be too surprised. Solidarity with LA protestors and mask blocs! Take action: StopMaskBans.com

  23. When mask mandates were enacted to try and save lives, the right screamed about freedom.

    When mask bans were passed? They celebrated. Because it’s not about freedom.

    With vaccine mandates, they screamed about autonomy.

    When vaccines get restricted, they cheer. Because it’s not about autonomy.

    It’s about control. It’s about perpetuating the illusion that Covid is over. It’s about eugenics. It’s about thinning the herd but culling the weak & vulnerable.

    And for many, it’s about payback. They haven’t dealt with their own trauma from the early days of Covid, and like bullies do, they’re taking it out on the most vulnerable in society.

    These decisions cost lives. Criminalizing masks and restricting vaccines will kill and disable people.

    Speak up. Call and email elected officials. Tell them to vote No on mask bans, Medicaid cuts and restricting vaccines. Tell them to do better.

    #uspoli #fascism #vaccines #fda #maskbans #covidisnotover #covidisairborne #eugenics #ableism

  24. When mask mandates were enacted to try and save lives, the right screamed about freedom.

    When mask bans were passed? They celebrated. Because it’s not about freedom.

    With vaccine mandates, they screamed about autonomy.

    When vaccines get restricted, they cheer. Because it’s not about autonomy.

    It’s about control. It’s about perpetuating the illusion that Covid is over. It’s about eugenics. It’s about thinning the herd but culling the weak & vulnerable.

    And for many, it’s about payback. They haven’t dealt with their own trauma from the early days of Covid, and like bullies do, they’re taking it out on the most vulnerable in society.

    These decisions cost lives. Criminalizing masks and restricting vaccines will kill and disable people.

    Speak up. Call and email elected officials. Tell them to vote No on mask bans, Medicaid cuts and restricting vaccines. Tell them to do better.

    #uspoli #fascism #vaccines #fda #maskbans #covidisnotover #covidisairborne #eugenics #ableism

  25. If you’re not fighting against mask bans because you think they “only” apply to those committing crimes… consider the following:

    Who decides who’s committing a crime? The police. POC who mask will be disproportionately targeted.

    Who decides if your medical exemption is “good enough”? Police

    The police aren’t doctors. It shouldn’t be up to them to determine who has a valid reason for masking.

    Many disabilities are invisible. We struggle to convince healthcare workers that we’re sick. What chance do we have with law enforcement?

    Non disabled people also need the right to mask.

    Finally, anti mask sentiment is at an all time high.

    Before COVID, no one cared if you wore a mask in public. The worst that would happen is you might get a strange look.

    Now there’s an entire segment of the population who see it as political virtue signalling.

    There’s others with unresolved pandemic trauma who get irrationally angry when they see someone wearing a mask.

    It’s (sadly) no longer a non event. Now it’s controversial. Adversarial. Political.

    As a result, criminalizing masks will only further embolden those who seek to harm maskers

    We need to normalize masks as a public health tool before it’s too late.

    If you care about social justice, disability rights, fighting fascism or your health… you should be wearing a mask. Ideally an N95 or better.

    The more of us wearing them, the harder they will be to ban.

    Don’t make the mistake of assuming these bans are “no big deal”.

    They are a very big deal. They will cost lives. Both due to Covid spread and also violence at the hands of law enforcement or vigilante anti-maskers.

    Call and email your elected officials. Tell them no mask bans.

    #maskbans #uspoli #noNYmaskban #uglylaws #ableism #discrimination #covidisnotover #covidisairborne #disability #wearamask

  26. If you’re not fighting against mask bans because you think they “only” apply to those committing crimes… consider the following:

    Who decides who’s committing a crime? The police. POC who mask will be disproportionately targeted.

    Who decides if your medical exemption is “good enough”? Police

    The police aren’t doctors. It shouldn’t be up to them to determine who has a valid reason for masking.

    Many disabilities are invisible. We struggle to convince healthcare workers that we’re sick. What chance do we have with law enforcement?

    Non disabled people also need the right to mask.

    Finally, anti mask sentiment is at an all time high.

    Before COVID, no one cared if you wore a mask in public. The worst that would happen is you might get a strange look.

    Now there’s an entire segment of the population who see it as political virtue signalling.

    There’s others with unresolved pandemic trauma who get irrationally angry when they see someone wearing a mask.

    It’s (sadly) no longer a non event. Now it’s controversial. Adversarial. Political.

    As a result, criminalizing masks will only further embolden those who seek to harm maskers

    We need to normalize masks as a public health tool before it’s too late.

    If you care about social justice, disability rights, fighting fascism or your health… you should be wearing a mask. Ideally an N95 or better.

    The more of us wearing them, the harder they will be to ban.

    Don’t make the mistake of assuming these bans are “no big deal”.

    They are a very big deal. They will cost lives. Both due to Covid spread and also violence at the hands of law enforcement or vigilante anti-maskers.

    Call and email your elected officials. Tell them no mask bans.

    #maskbans #uspoli #noNYmaskban #uglylaws #ableism #discrimination #covidisnotover #covidisairborne #disability #wearamask

  27. Imagine if instead of banning employees from masking, huge corporations like Starbucks would offer paid time off, clean the air and encourage customers to mask up. They could even provide free respirators at the door.

    Their employees would be healthier, happier and more productive.

    #starbucks #uspoli #ableism #discrimination #disability #maskbans #wearamask #covidisairborne

  28. Imagine if instead of banning employees from masking, huge corporations like Starbucks would offer paid time off, clean the air and encourage customers to mask up. They could even provide free respirators at the door.

    Their employees would be healthier, happier and more productive.

    #starbucks #uspoli #ableism #discrimination #disability #maskbans #wearamask #covidisairborne

  29. Kristi Noem had her bag, purse, 3K in cash (who walks around with 3K in cash?) and more stolen in a DC restaurant.

    The news outlets covering it are claiming the thief was wearing a medical mask.

    The fascists will 100% use this as an excuse to enact more mask bans.

    We saw it in NYC after Luigi Mangione’s arrest. It reignited the mayor’s desire to ban masks.

    If you stopped masking, we need you to start again. Normalize them as a public health tool.

    The more people masking, the harder they will be to ban.

    Mask bans are discriminatory, ableist ugly laws that harm the most vulnerable among us.

    There’s also no evidence they stop or deter crime.

    #maskbans #uspoli #fascism #noem #wearamask #covidisairborne #ableism #eugenics

  30. Kristi Noem had her bag, purse, 3K in cash (who walks around with 3K in cash?) and more stolen in a DC restaurant.

    The news outlets covering it are claiming the thief was wearing a medical mask.

    The fascists will 100% use this as an excuse to enact more mask bans.

    We saw it in NYC after Luigi Mangione’s arrest. It reignited the mayor’s desire to ban masks.

    If you stopped masking, we need you to start again. Normalize them as a public health tool.

    The more people masking, the harder they will be to ban.

    Mask bans are discriminatory, ableist ugly laws that harm the most vulnerable among us.

    There’s also no evidence they stop or deter crime.

    #maskbans #uspoli #fascism #noem #wearamask #covidisairborne #ableism #eugenics

  31. Panda Express becomes the latest business to ban masks for employees, insisting that being able to see facial expressions is necessary for team building.

    This is ableist & discriminatory. Employees have to apply to be allowed to mask, putting an undue burden on disabled staff.

    Not to mention these are minimum wage paying jobs and many staff may not be able to afford a doctors note or whatever arbitrary “proof” the company will require to allow staff to mask.

    #uglylaws #capitalism #ableism #fascism #eugenics #disability #disabilityjustice #maskbans

  32. Panda Express becomes the latest business to ban masks for employees, insisting that being able to see facial expressions is necessary for team building.

    This is ableist & discriminatory. Employees have to apply to be allowed to mask, putting an undue burden on disabled staff.

    Not to mention these are minimum wage paying jobs and many staff may not be able to afford a doctors note or whatever arbitrary “proof” the company will require to allow staff to mask.

    #uglylaws #capitalism #ableism #fascism #eugenics #disability #disabilityjustice #maskbans

  33. State by State Pending and Recently Passed #AntiProtestLaws: #Iowa

    SF 342: Heightened penalties for protesters convicted of "riot," "unlawful assembly," or blocking traffic, and immunity for #drivers who injure them

    Introduces felony penalties for the offense of "riot," previously an aggravated misdemeanor, such that the offense is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and $7,500. Preexisting law defines "riot" as a group of three or more people assembled "in a violent manner," at least one of whom uses any unlawful force or violence against another person or causes property damage. The law also converts "unlawful assembly" from a simple to an aggravated misdemeanor. Preexisting law defines "unlawful assembly" as a group of three or more people, any of whom are acting "in a violent manner," and who intend that any of them will commit an offense. Under the law, it is a serious (rather than simple) misdemeanor, punishable by one year in jail and a $1,875 fine, to "obstruct" a sidewalk, street, or "other public way" with the intent to hinder its use by others. If an individual obstructs a sidewalk or street while "present during an unlawful assembly," it is an aggravated misdemeanor, punishable by 2 years in jail and a $6,250 fine. If an individual obstructs a sidewalk or street while "present during a riot," it is a Class D felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $7,500 fine. Under the law, a driver who injures someone who is participating in a "protest, demonstration, riot, or unlawful assembly," engaging in "disorderly conduct," and blocking traffic, is immune from civil liability as long as the driver was exercising "due care" and the protester did not have a permit to be in the street. The law would also allow law enforcement who experience a physical or other injury while on duty to pursue civil damages from a person, group, or organization. Finally, the law creates a new felony offense for "defacing" public property, "including a monument or statue." The offense, a Class D felony, is punishable by up to 5 years in prison, a $7,500, and mandatory restitution for any property damage. This law was introduced and passed by the Senate as SF 534, but passed by the House as an amendment to SF 342.

    Full text of bill:
    legis.iowa.gov/legislation/Bil

    Status: enacted

    Introduced 1 Mar 2021; Approved by Senate 10 March 2021, Approved by House 14 April 2021, Signed by Governor 16 June 2021

    Issue(s): Civil Liability, Protest Supporters or Funders, Driver Immunity, Riot, Traffic Interference

    HF 952: Requiring state permission for protests in the capitol and on capitol grounds

    Would require organizers to have a government sponsor in order to hold protests in or near the Iowa capitol. Under the bill, organizers cannot hold “events” in capitol buildings or on capitol grounds unless they have a “recommendation” either from a statewide elected official or by both a member of Iowa’s state senate and its house of representatives. The bill would also prohibit the same person from holding more than six “events” per year in or around the capitol. Neither the bill nor the relevant provisions of Iowa law define “events,” such that they could seemingly include public protests and demonstrations. As such, the bill would effectively give elected officials authority to allow or disallow protests near the capitol.

    Full text of bill:
    legis.iowa.gov/legislation/Bil
    Status: pending

    Introduced 12 Mar 2025.

    HF 25: Heightened penalties for #MaskedProtesters

    Would increase the penalty for any offense if committed by someone wearing a mask or other device that concealed their identity for the purpose of facilitating the offense. The bill provides #exemptions for masks worn in a number of contexts, including holiday costumes, medical masks, and “#hood[s]” or other “disguise[s]” worn by members of “a society, order, or organization while engaged in any parade, ritual” or “ceremony.” As such, for instance, members of the #KluKluxKlan would seemingly be exempt from enhanced penalties for illegally blocking traffic while parading in the street wearing hoods. The bill does not exempt masks worn during public protests, nor does it limit the enhanced penalties to violent crimes. Accordingly, a peaceful protester who committed a nonviolent offense while wearing a mask could face steeper penalties. A masked demonstrator engaged in a vigil who failed to disperse after being ordered to do so by police, for instance, could face up to a year in jail, rather than 30 days.

    Full text of bill:
    legis.iowa.gov/legislation/Bil

    Status: pending

    Introduced 14 Jan 2025.

    Issue(s): #FaceCovering

    #FirstAmendment #CriminalizingDissent
    #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Clampdown #CriminalizingProtest
    #CharacteristicsOfFascism #USPol #AntiProtestLaws #TrafficInterference #MaskBans #HoodsAreOK #HeatherHeyer #UniteTheRight #DrivingDownProtestors #LimitingProtests #RedTape

  34. State by State Pending and Recently Passed #AntiProtestLaws: #Iowa

    SF 342: Heightened penalties for protesters convicted of "riot," "unlawful assembly," or blocking traffic, and immunity for #drivers who injure them

    Introduces felony penalties for the offense of "riot," previously an aggravated misdemeanor, such that the offense is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and $7,500. Preexisting law defines "riot" as a group of three or more people assembled "in a violent manner," at least one of whom uses any unlawful force or violence against another person or causes property damage. The law also converts "unlawful assembly" from a simple to an aggravated misdemeanor. Preexisting law defines "unlawful assembly" as a group of three or more people, any of whom are acting "in a violent manner," and who intend that any of them will commit an offense. Under the law, it is a serious (rather than simple) misdemeanor, punishable by one year in jail and a $1,875 fine, to "obstruct" a sidewalk, street, or "other public way" with the intent to hinder its use by others. If an individual obstructs a sidewalk or street while "present during an unlawful assembly," it is an aggravated misdemeanor, punishable by 2 years in jail and a $6,250 fine. If an individual obstructs a sidewalk or street while "present during a riot," it is a Class D felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $7,500 fine. Under the law, a driver who injures someone who is participating in a "protest, demonstration, riot, or unlawful assembly," engaging in "disorderly conduct," and blocking traffic, is immune from civil liability as long as the driver was exercising "due care" and the protester did not have a permit to be in the street. The law would also allow law enforcement who experience a physical or other injury while on duty to pursue civil damages from a person, group, or organization. Finally, the law creates a new felony offense for "defacing" public property, "including a monument or statue." The offense, a Class D felony, is punishable by up to 5 years in prison, a $7,500, and mandatory restitution for any property damage. This law was introduced and passed by the Senate as SF 534, but passed by the House as an amendment to SF 342.

    Full text of bill:
    legis.iowa.gov/legislation/Bil

    Status: enacted

    Introduced 1 Mar 2021; Approved by Senate 10 March 2021, Approved by House 14 April 2021, Signed by Governor 16 June 2021

    Issue(s): Civil Liability, Protest Supporters or Funders, Driver Immunity, Riot, Traffic Interference

    HF 952: Requiring state permission for protests in the capitol and on capitol grounds

    Would require organizers to have a government sponsor in order to hold protests in or near the Iowa capitol. Under the bill, organizers cannot hold “events” in capitol buildings or on capitol grounds unless they have a “recommendation” either from a statewide elected official or by both a member of Iowa’s state senate and its house of representatives. The bill would also prohibit the same person from holding more than six “events” per year in or around the capitol. Neither the bill nor the relevant provisions of Iowa law define “events,” such that they could seemingly include public protests and demonstrations. As such, the bill would effectively give elected officials authority to allow or disallow protests near the capitol.

    Full text of bill:
    legis.iowa.gov/legislation/Bil
    Status: pending

    Introduced 12 Mar 2025.

    HF 25: Heightened penalties for #MaskedProtesters

    Would increase the penalty for any offense if committed by someone wearing a mask or other device that concealed their identity for the purpose of facilitating the offense. The bill provides #exemptions for masks worn in a number of contexts, including holiday costumes, medical masks, and “#hood[s]” or other “disguise[s]” worn by members of “a society, order, or organization while engaged in any parade, ritual” or “ceremony.” As such, for instance, members of the #KluKluxKlan would seemingly be exempt from enhanced penalties for illegally blocking traffic while parading in the street wearing hoods. The bill does not exempt masks worn during public protests, nor does it limit the enhanced penalties to violent crimes. Accordingly, a peaceful protester who committed a nonviolent offense while wearing a mask could face steeper penalties. A masked demonstrator engaged in a vigil who failed to disperse after being ordered to do so by police, for instance, could face up to a year in jail, rather than 30 days.

    Full text of bill:
    legis.iowa.gov/legislation/Bil

    Status: pending

    Introduced 14 Jan 2025.

    Issue(s): #FaceCovering

    #FirstAmendment #CriminalizingDissent
    #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Clampdown #CriminalizingProtest
    #CharacteristicsOfFascism #USPol #AntiProtestLaws #TrafficInterference #MaskBans #HoodsAreOK #HeatherHeyer #UniteTheRight #DrivingDownProtestors #LimitingProtests #RedTape

  35. State by State Pending and Recently Passed #AntiProtestLaws: #Indiana

    SB 471: New penalties for protests near critical infrastructure

    Heightens the potential penalties for protests near oil and gas #pipelines and other infrastructure by creating the offenses of "criminal #infrastructure facility #trespass" and "#CriticalInfrastructure facility mischief." The law provides that an individual who knowingly enters a critical infrastructure facility without permission commits critical infrastructure facility trespass, a Level 6 #felony punishable by up to 30 months in prison. Under the law, recklessly or knowingly defacing such a facility constitutes critical infrastructure facility mischief, punishable by up to six years in prison as a Level 5 felony. In either case, the individual may additionally be liable to the property owner for damages, costs, and attorney's fees. An individual found to have conspired with someone who commits either offense may also be liable for a fine of $100,000. The law newly defines "critical infrastructure facility" under Indiana law to include a range of oil, gas, electric, water, telecommunications, and railroad facilities, as well as any "facility that is substantially similar" to one of the listed facilities.

    Full text of bill: iga.in.gov/legislative/2019/bi

    Status: enacted

    Introduced 14 Jan 2019; Approved by Senate 7 Feb 2019; Approved by House 25 March 2019; Signed by Governor Holcomb on 6 May 2019

    Issue(s): #ProtestSupporters or Funders, #Infrastructure

    SB 286: New criminal penalties for masked protesters

    Would create a new offense for attending a public assembly while wearing a mask, and elevate disorderly conduct and rioting to felony offenses if committed by someone wearing a mask. The bill creates exemptions for masks worn for holidays, theater, religious purposes, medical purposes if prescribed by a doctor, and athletic events, but not protests. Under the bill, someone who wears a mask “while present at a public assembly” would commit a Class C misdemeanor (punishable by up to 60 days in jail) for a first offense but a Class A misdemeanor (up to one year and $5,000) for second and subsequent offenses. As written, the offense could cover a demonstrator who chooses to wear a mask to avoid contagion, to avoid retaliation for their political speech, or for any other reason, and who did not otherwise act unlawfully or have any intent to break a law. The offense would also seemingly cover bystanders “present” at a protest while masked. The bill would convert disorderly conduct and rioting—both broadly defined by Indiana law and typically misdemeanor offenses—into Level 6 felonies (up to two and a half years in prison and $10,000) if committed by someone in a mask. “Disorderly conduct,” for instance, covers someone who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally “makes unreasonable noise and continues to do so after being asked to stop.” As such, someone who chooses to wear a mask while participating in a peaceful but noisy protest could face felony charges.

    Full text of bill:
    iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bi

    Status: pending

    Introduced 13 Jan 2025.

    Issue(s): Face Covering, Riot

    #FirstAmendment #CriminalizingDissent
    #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Clampdown #CriminalizingProtest
    #CharacteristicsOfFascism #USPol #AntiProtestLaws #PipelineProtests #TrafficInterference #MaskBans

  36. State by State Pending and Recently Passed #AntiProtestLaws: #Indiana

    SB 471: New penalties for protests near critical infrastructure

    Heightens the potential penalties for protests near oil and gas #pipelines and other infrastructure by creating the offenses of "criminal #infrastructure facility #trespass" and "#CriticalInfrastructure facility mischief." The law provides that an individual who knowingly enters a critical infrastructure facility without permission commits critical infrastructure facility trespass, a Level 6 #felony punishable by up to 30 months in prison. Under the law, recklessly or knowingly defacing such a facility constitutes critical infrastructure facility mischief, punishable by up to six years in prison as a Level 5 felony. In either case, the individual may additionally be liable to the property owner for damages, costs, and attorney's fees. An individual found to have conspired with someone who commits either offense may also be liable for a fine of $100,000. The law newly defines "critical infrastructure facility" under Indiana law to include a range of oil, gas, electric, water, telecommunications, and railroad facilities, as well as any "facility that is substantially similar" to one of the listed facilities.

    Full text of bill: iga.in.gov/legislative/2019/bi

    Status: enacted

    Introduced 14 Jan 2019; Approved by Senate 7 Feb 2019; Approved by House 25 March 2019; Signed by Governor Holcomb on 6 May 2019

    Issue(s): #ProtestSupporters or Funders, #Infrastructure

    SB 286: New criminal penalties for masked protesters

    Would create a new offense for attending a public assembly while wearing a mask, and elevate disorderly conduct and rioting to felony offenses if committed by someone wearing a mask. The bill creates exemptions for masks worn for holidays, theater, religious purposes, medical purposes if prescribed by a doctor, and athletic events, but not protests. Under the bill, someone who wears a mask “while present at a public assembly” would commit a Class C misdemeanor (punishable by up to 60 days in jail) for a first offense but a Class A misdemeanor (up to one year and $5,000) for second and subsequent offenses. As written, the offense could cover a demonstrator who chooses to wear a mask to avoid contagion, to avoid retaliation for their political speech, or for any other reason, and who did not otherwise act unlawfully or have any intent to break a law. The offense would also seemingly cover bystanders “present” at a protest while masked. The bill would convert disorderly conduct and rioting—both broadly defined by Indiana law and typically misdemeanor offenses—into Level 6 felonies (up to two and a half years in prison and $10,000) if committed by someone in a mask. “Disorderly conduct,” for instance, covers someone who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally “makes unreasonable noise and continues to do so after being asked to stop.” As such, someone who chooses to wear a mask while participating in a peaceful but noisy protest could face felony charges.

    Full text of bill:
    iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bi

    Status: pending

    Introduced 13 Jan 2025.

    Issue(s): Face Covering, Riot

    #FirstAmendment #CriminalizingDissent
    #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Clampdown #CriminalizingProtest
    #CharacteristicsOfFascism #USPol #AntiProtestLaws #PipelineProtests #TrafficInterference #MaskBans

  37. “Wake Up and Smell the C*VID: An evening without Eric Bogosian”: new play takes aim at NYC mask ban and more

    thecanary.co/global/world-news

    "As New York State’s budget deadline looms, so too does the specter of a proposed mask ban …"

    "Wake Up and Smell the C*VID isn’t a typical play—it’s an intervention. A rupture. A refusal.

    It refuses the erasure of an ongoing mass disabling event."

    #COVID #COVID19 #LongCovid #CovidIsNotOver #MaskBans #NYC

  38. “Wake Up and Smell the C*VID: An evening without Eric Bogosian”: new play takes aim at NYC mask ban and more

    thecanary.co/global/world-news

    "As New York State’s budget deadline looms, so too does the specter of a proposed mask ban …"

    "Wake Up and Smell the C*VID isn’t a typical play—it’s an intervention. A rupture. A refusal.

    It refuses the erasure of an ongoing mass disabling event."

    #COVID #COVID19 #LongCovid #CovidIsNotOver #MaskBans #NYC

  39. A good post from an account on FB, called Calicem Veritatis, explaining why organisers of protests should not be inviting people to hide their identity with masks/respirators -

    "Don't do this. Please for the love of public health do *not do this* Stop contributing to the propaganda that assumes masking equates to criminality or leftist political orientation..."

    There is a lot to read and I'm so sorry, I haven't got the tools to transcribe the screenshot text right now, so here is the link to the original post -

    m.facebook.com/story.php?story

    #maskbans #covid #CovidIsNotOver

  40. A good post from an account on FB, called Calicem Veritatis, explaining why organisers of protests should not be inviting people to hide their identity with masks/respirators -

    "Don't do this. Please for the love of public health do *not do this* Stop contributing to the propaganda that assumes masking equates to criminality or leftist political orientation..."

    There is a lot to read and I'm so sorry, I haven't got the tools to transcribe the screenshot text right now, so here is the link to the original post -

    m.facebook.com/story.php?story

    #maskbans #covid #CovidIsNotOver

  41. The U.S. has become a fascist state. People are being grabbed off the streets and illegally detained, deported and disappeared.

    Marginalized groups are watching their civil rights vanish.

    Disabled people are fighting funding cuts, threats to healthcare and mask bans.

    Tourists from Canada, the UK and Germany been detained for weeks without any form of due process.

    It is no longer a safe place. Stop traveling there. Stop vacationing there. Stop looking the other way and get radicalized. Get involved. Find ways to resist.

    Whatever happens, don’t tell people to “just leave”. People are trapped. It costs money, time and resources that most don’t have to be able to relocate. Many countries would take you if you’re disabled or trans. Leaving is NOT the answer.

    We have to recognize this as a powerful moment of intersectionality and work together to save as many lives as we can.

    There are more of us than there are of them.

    Also don’t be afraid to take breaks. You don’t need to be informed 24/7. You don’t need to fight every battle. Rest and recharge when needed.

    And please wear a mask. It’s much easier to resist when you have your health. Include disabled people in the resistance effort. We have so much to offer. Don’t leave us behind.

    #uspoli #fascism #resist #disability #disabilityrights #maskbans #intersectionality #transrightsarehumanrights

  42. The U.S. has become a fascist state. People are being grabbed off the streets and illegally detained, deported and disappeared.

    Marginalized groups are watching their civil rights vanish.

    Disabled people are fighting funding cuts, threats to healthcare and mask bans.

    Tourists from Canada, the UK and Germany been detained for weeks without any form of due process.

    It is no longer a safe place. Stop traveling there. Stop vacationing there. Stop looking the other way and get radicalized. Get involved. Find ways to resist.

    Whatever happens, don’t tell people to “just leave”. People are trapped. It costs money, time and resources that most don’t have to be able to relocate. Many countries would take you if you’re disabled or trans. Leaving is NOT the answer.

    We have to recognize this as a powerful moment of intersectionality and work together to save as many lives as we can.

    There are more of us than there are of them.

    Also don’t be afraid to take breaks. You don’t need to be informed 24/7. You don’t need to fight every battle. Rest and recharge when needed.

    And please wear a mask. It’s much easier to resist when you have your health. Include disabled people in the resistance effort. We have so much to offer. Don’t leave us behind.

    #uspoli #fascism #resist #disability #disabilityrights #maskbans #intersectionality #transrightsarehumanrights

  43. Time is running out to fight the New York mask ban!

    They’re to sneak it into the budget, and once again folks are claiming it’s “fine” because there’s a medical exemption

    These bans criminalize masks, Including medical masks like N95s

    Medical exemptions are NOT the answer

    disabledginger.com/p/nassau-co

    #noNYmaskban #maskbans #uspoli #fascism #uglylaws #ableism #eugenics #disability

  44. Time is running out to fight the New York mask ban!

    They’re to sneak it into the budget, and once again folks are claiming it’s “fine” because there’s a medical exemption

    These bans criminalize masks, Including medical masks like N95s

    Medical exemptions are NOT the answer

    disabledginger.com/p/nassau-co

    #noNYmaskban #maskbans #uspoli #fascism #uglylaws #ableism #eugenics #disability

  45. Columbia University bends a knee and capitulates to the Trump regime. They’ve agreed to ban masks and empower police to arrest students.

    This is the epitome of fascism. Please look back at what the Nazis did to education.

    They wanted people uninformed and/or indoctrinated. The Hitler Youth Program effectively brainwashed children to become full on Nazis.

    Schools should be a safe place for kids to express differing opinions, learn about other people and cultures and become tolerant, compassionate citizens of the world

    They should be able to do that while protecting their health and the health of their community

    This is a devastating blow to public health, democracy and freedom:

    wsj.com/us-news/education/colu

    #uspoli #fascism #maskbans #columbia #columbiauniversity #ableism #eugenics #disabilityrights

  46. Columbia University bends a knee and capitulates to the Trump regime. They’ve agreed to ban masks and empower police to arrest students.

    This is the epitome of fascism. Please look back at what the Nazis did to education.

    They wanted people uninformed and/or indoctrinated. The Hitler Youth Program effectively brainwashed children to become full on Nazis.

    Schools should be a safe place for kids to express differing opinions, learn about other people and cultures and become tolerant, compassionate citizens of the world

    They should be able to do that while protecting their health and the health of their community

    This is a devastating blow to public health, democracy and freedom:

    wsj.com/us-news/education/colu

    #uspoli #fascism #maskbans #columbia #columbiauniversity #ableism #eugenics #disabilityrights

  47. Texas becomes the latest State to propose a mask ban (while in the midst of a measles outbreak that’s currently over 100 cases).

    These are ugly laws. They’re discriminatory & push disabled people further out of society. They increase the likelihood of police harassment. They paint maskers as “bad”.

    There’s an excellent document with scripts for how to call & fight back! 🧵 1/2

    docs.google.com/document/u/0/d

    #uspoli #maskbans #nomaskbans #uglylaws #infectioncontrol #publichealth #texas #measles #covidisairborne #covidisnotover #ableism #eugenics #disability