Mask Ban

I did a couple of cursory searches about the supposed mask ban in Chicago both here and on Google. My questions are: What’s the deal with it? Is it real? Has it ever been enforced?

I ask out of curiosity being that I have lived in what is supposed to be one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the entire country–and it probably is–for 12 years, but I’ve seen maybe two women wearing a “full” burqa (burka?) in that time. From what I understand the law was originally intended to keep the KKK out of Chicago, and has since been challenged (around the time of the invasion of Iraq–and local protests thereof), if I’m not mistaken. Seems like some serious Civil Rights violations might occur, were such an ordinance enforced.

So should I fear a beatdown by the cops if I dress like MJ for Halloween? Will I get pushed face-down onto the icy walk at Navy Pier while fishing for perch in my neoprene face mask when it’s 10 degrees F this winter? Should the Mormon “bike boys” be concerned about a future ban on clip-on ties? I guess I have lots of questions.

Best,
Scott E. Smith
Chicago

No, you should fear a beatdown by ME if you dress like MJ. At any time. You have been warned.

hh

:smiley:

Maybe we can rush a single-glove ban through the legislature as well.

Is it possible that Chicago’s history as an organized crime hub is responsible for the ban, because of masked bank robbers?

So does this mean everyone who wears a surgical mask when the swine flu returns next fall is going to get hassled?

Ive seen people with the neoprene face mask in downtown Chicago without cops arresting them. Ive also seen a few people wearing surgical masks. I doubt any of this is enforced or its selectively enforced.

Where did you hear about this ban? I’ve never heard of it myself, and grew up in the 'burbs and have lived in Chicago proper for years now. That’s not to say it’s not real, but I’d settle for nothing less than a City Code or Ordinance number for a citation.

As an aside, I’m so fucking angry over the death of Marwa al-Sherbini that I’m seriously considering wearing a headscarf draped in hijab style. Not only as a political statement (me, the blond obviously not-Muslim woman), but because I actually think they’re very pretty.