Oklahoma lawmakers are considering turning a law originally designed to fight the Ku Klux Klan into a law that would make it illegal to wear a hoodie in public.
The existing law, enacted in the 20s, bans the wearing of hoods while committing crimes, television station KFOR reported on Friday. However, a new proposal would reportedly extend that ban to include any hoods or facial disguise worn in public, punishable with a $500 fine.
Oklahoma state Sen. Don Barrington (R) wrote the amendment and, according to KFOR, sought to help victims of robberies.
“The intent of Senate Bill 13 is to make businesses and public places safer by ensuring that people cannot conceal their identities for the purpose of crime or harassment,” Barrington told the station. “Similar language has been in Oklahoma statutes for decades and numerous other states have similar laws in place. Oklahoma businesses want state leaders to be responsive to their safety concerns, and this is one way we can provide protection.”
The amendment would provide exceptions for religious attire, clothing to protect against weather conditions, and garments worn during Halloween celebrations, parades and other festivities, KFOR reported.
