Unmasking Seattle protesters won't be easy

You may have heard of Senator Jim Honeyford’s effort to prohibit protesters from wearing masks.

If his bill passes, protesters could be charged with a gross misdemeanor if they covered their faces during public demonstrations. Of course, there is a list of exceptions that could make it difficult for police to even enforce.

RELATED: Seattle mayor praises May Day protesters

“It’s a pretty long list of exceptions, which underscores how difficult it is to write a law like this,” former State Attorney General Rob McKenna said.

The law would not apply to someone under the age of 16. People would also be exempt if they wore a head covering or veil pursuant to religious beliefs or customs; if they were wearing a holiday costume; engaged in a trade or employment where a mask, hood, or device is worn for physical safety; and even those who plan to attend a celebration or “masquerade balls.”

The ACLU is arguing that people have the right to wear masks while exercising their right to protest.

However, there are states in this country that have adopted similar laws. In New York, for example, a law passed in the 1840’s that prohibits face coverings during demonstrations — the law was used as recently as the Occupy Wall Street demonstration.

But what would the police do during May Day in Seattle if this bill became law? How would they enforce it?

McKenna says police would be allowed to use the law to order people to remove masks and other face coverings.

Cox Media Group