Philadelphia councilmember proposes banning ski masks, balaclavas
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A Philadelphia councilmember is proposing banning ski masks in many areas of the city. Councilmember Anthony Phillips introduced the legislation to the city on Thursday morning.
"Public safety" and "quality-of-life" issues within Philadelphia neighborhoods are cited as the cause for the introduction of this bill, according to the statement written by Phillips' spokesperson, Jemille Duncan.
"This is what we're doing as a city to help address this public safety issue and, hopefully, this ski mask bill help lessen some of those masks in the city," said Phillips
It would ban ski masks and balaclavas in Philadelphia schools, recreation centers, daycares, parks, city-owned buildings and on public transportation.
SEPTA has already banned ski masks on its rides but some riders say it doesn't get to the root of the problem.
"People are committing crimes because they're poor and it's going to continue unless we address systemtic wishes," said SEPTA rider, Jasmine Carroll. "I could see them doing it and seeing statistics but it's not going to solve everything."
The majority of the city's council co-sponsored the bill as a matter of public safety and some SEPTA riders think enacting the ban would not cause harm to the city.
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"It couldn't hurt especially [because] it's summertime so there's no need to wear one," said another SEPTA passenger, Valerie Stillman.
Violators would be fined $250 for each violation and $2,000 if wearing the mask while committing a crime.
Exceptions include "traditional holiday costumes, religious holidays, theatrical productions, and winter sports," according to a statement released by the office of councilmember Phillips.
Councilmember Phillips said similar ski mask bans already exist in several states.