lAW

[Timmy True]

Is there any law going back as far as Guy Faukes where
it is illegal to hide ones face in public.

[Ethel]

No.

[Timmy True]

Thank you Ethel but I only hope that you are a qulified lawyer,and if so please direct me to where you got your information.

[Ethel]

It is impossible to prove a negative, as you know very well.

I have access to online law journals, which require a subscription, and a search produced no results.

In some American states it is illegal - mainly as a reaction to the KKK.

Also, the BNP and other national parties have lawyers amongst their members, who would have been searching for such a law for a long time.

The police too - in reaction to the prayer meetings held on some streets where the followers hide their faces.

And I'm sure the red-top papers would have found such a law to further there diatribe against Muslims.

So, I am 99% confident no such law exists in the UK today.

[Timmy True]

Yes Ethel I am convinced.

[almcd007]

There was a law relied on recently in the May Day riots/disturbances where I think it's part of the Public Order act that allows you to be arrested for hiding your face in public if it is to avoid being detected whilst committing a crime as in Mr Rioter using a bandana over his face whilst spray painting Churchill on Whitehall !!

[Timmy True]

Thank you almcd007.

[DuracellB]

It is only against the law if the police have what they call a section 60 search in force (i believe granted by an inspector or above, usually at football matches) They an then require you to remove your face covering and if you do not then you can be arrested.

[Timmy True]

Thank you Durcellb