Should Face Coverings Be Banned At Protest Marches?

[naomi24]

//A review into political violence is expected to recommend legislation to allow police to ban face masks at protests.

There is concern among some in Whitehall about the use of masks and scarves to hide protestors' identity during political marches and demonstrations.

This concern has been heightened following pro-Palestinian demonstrations during which some protestors have covered their faces. There have been clashes with police and anti-Semitic chanting among some that have attended the demonstrations.//

 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12987433/Will-Britains-protest-menaces-finally-unmasked-New-laws-police-powers-ban-face-covering-rallies-review-says-pro-Palestine-marches-hijacked-violent-thugs-singing-vile-anti-Semitic-chants.html

[douglas9401]

Yes, but including police.

[New Judge]

All well and good except for two things:

1. It is highly unlikely that police will arrest all those wearing face coverings.

2. When the Covid Maskvists get their way and compulsory face coverings are again introduced, protesters can be arrested if they wear a mask and arrested if they don't!  😀

[Untitled]

covering of faces is normal at protests it is not unique to the palestinian ones. 

in my opinion it is a sensible thing to do and to ban it would allow the police to engage in targeted harassment and persecution of activists... they also reduce the transmission of airborne viruses and provide some very very limited protection against things like pepper spray

[youngmafbog]

Yes, cowards should show the conviction of their beliefs.

And anyone attending these marches who things wearing a mask will stop them ending up on a watchlist is a fool.

[Untitled]

have you been on a protest? ever actually stood up for anything?

[ichkeria]

Wholly impracticable I would have thought largely for the reasons stated by NJ. Having a mask on won't  stop you being arrested at which point the mask can be removed.

[Old_Geezer]

Those nembers of the public with a genuine grievance may well feel they are being thwarted from protest if they are banned from hiding their identity. Not all government is benevolent, there are plenty of historic examples (and present days ones) where being known as a critic of those in power marks the individual out as a target. One probably ought not take another step in the direction on citizen control like that. Arrest genuine troublemakers, leave the rest to show their support for whatever is being protested.

[Old_Geezer]

...members...

[Untitled]

a mask can impede facial recognition software and limit damage from gases or sprays... it is also a good idea to wear masks in crowds because they reduce transmission of covid.

[ichkeria]

"a mask can impede facial recognition software and limit damage from gases or sprays"

Which of course is why people wear them and why some want to ban them. Understandable as that may be, I cannot really see how it would help: the real issue is the breaking of the law. Arrest people for doing that as I said before: wearing a mask might hide you from the law, but there are plenty of other uwelcome things you might be doing that should not. At which point the mask is irrelevant.

[newmodarmy]

Another factor may be that some of them don't won't to be recognised by their employers, family or neigbours.

I am sure that untitled has his/her tongue in their cheek when they talk  about the prevention of spread of airborne viruses being an explanation.

I think a ban is pointless for the reasons given by NewJudge and Ichkeria.

[douglas9401]

I'm torn between Untitled being humourous or fick.

[Untitled]

you don't need to be breaking the law at a protest for the police to be bothering you

[Untitled]

"they talk  about the prevention of spread of airborne viruses being an explanation."
 

i don't think it's the explanation... 

[ichkeria]

"you don't need to be breaking the law at a protest for the police to be bothering you"

Not sure what that has to do with the question : if the police "bother" you at a protest how would wearing a mask help?

[jno]

cowards should show the conviction of their beliefs.

lol... this on an anonymous website full of armchair generals.

[naomi24]

Are we really expected to believe that any of them are covering their faces for health reasons?  😂