‘Hoodie Bill’ Garnering National Attention, Criticism
Oklahoma legislator’s ‘hoodie ban’ bill stirs national criticism
by Rick Green, NewsOK.com
An Oklahoma lawmaker has struck a national nerve with a bill that some have interpreted as outlawing hooded sweatshirts, or hoodies.
A longstanding Oklahoma law makes it illegal to wear a robe, mask or hood during the commission of a crime or for the purpose of coercion, intimidation or harassment. State Sen. Don Barrington’s bill would take that a step further and prohibit a person from wearing those items in public when the intent was not malicious, but merely to conceal one’s identity.
Stories of his Senate Bill 13 for the upcoming legislative session began circulating on social media over the weekend, and the Lawton Republican received a flood of calls and emails from people wanting to know why he wants to ban hoodies.
He said Monday he has nothing against hoodies, even owns a couple, and that he just wants to protect the public, not take away rights. One of his concerns has been masked protesters at the Capitol.