The "Unmasking Antifa Act of 2018" would ... make it a federal crime to protest while wearing a mask

[mahatmakanejeeves]

A lot of people get upset when I link to articles in Reason. Please feel free not to read this.

WeaponizedHat Retweeted:

The "Unmasking Antifa Act of 2018" would basically make it a federal crime to protest while wearing a mask

Link to tweet

{Edited to add:}

Code of Virginia

Table of Contents » Title 18.2. Crimes and Offenses Generally » Chapter 9. Crimes Against Peace and Order » § 18.2-422. Prohibition of wearing of masks in certain places; exceptions

§ 18.2-422. Prohibition of wearing of masks in certain places; exceptions.

It shall be unlawful for any person over 16 years of age to, with the intent to conceal his identity, wear any mask, hood or other device whereby a substantial portion of the face is hidden or covered so as to conceal the identity of the wearer, to be or appear in any public place, or upon any private property in this Commonwealth without first having obtained from the owner or tenant thereof consent to do so in writing. However, the provisions of this section shall not apply to persons (i) wearing traditional holiday costumes; (ii) engaged in professions, trades, employment or other activities and wearing protective masks which are deemed necessary for the physical safety of the wearer or other persons; (iii) engaged in any bona fide theatrical production or masquerade ball; or (iv) wearing a mask, hood or other device for bona fide medical reasons upon (a) the advice of a licensed physician or osteopath and carrying on his person an affidavit from the physician or osteopath specifying the medical necessity for wearing the device and the date on which the wearing of the device will no longer be necessary and providing a brief description of the device, or (b) the declaration of a disaster or state of emergency by the Governor in response to a public health emergency where the emergency declaration expressly waives this section, defines the mask appropriate for the emergency, and provides for the duration of the waiver. The violation of any provisions of this section is a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-364, 18.1-367; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1986, c. 19; 2010, cc. 262, 420; 2014, c. 167.

The chapters of the acts of assembly referenced in the historical citation at the end of this section may not constitute a comprehensive list of such chapters and may exclude chapters whose provisions have expired.

[DetlefK]

1. Which is entirely reasonable.

Germany has at least on big riot (with burning cars and massive property damage) per year by the Black Block and masks are outlawed as well.

[Gothmog]

2. The trumpies are all facists and so dislike the anti-fa movement

[mahatmakanejeeves]

3. Does Texas's code have a passage similar to Virginia's Thanks. NT

[procon]

4. Republicans need another court to remind them of the Constitution.

The basic concept is flawed and they deliberately left it open to wide interpretation by the police on who they want to target. Can anyone describe what activities might fall under the title of, "Crimes Against Peace and Order?"

[Sophia4]

5. It would also have made the Boston Tea Party illegal.

No. It doesn't pass First Amendment muster. No way.

The masks are annoying, but they are protected unless someone is committing an actual crime.

Paranoia strikes deep.

[TheRealNorth]

6. The fascists will love this

So they can identify Antifa members for intimidation/assassination.