Philly ski mask ban becomes law without Kenney's signature
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A bill to ban ski masks in public places in Philadelphia became law this week.
The bill passed with overwhelming support in City Council in November and Mayor Jim Kenney let it become law Thursday without his signature, citing a high risk of selective enforcement against young people.
Councilman Anthony Phillips was the lead sponsor of the bill and spoke on the day of the vote.
“Too many seniors have told me on the way to public places that they have felt unsafe as folks have hid their identities and created a sense of anxiety in the midst of historical crime levels,” Phillips said.
The Juvenile Law Center strongly opposes it.
Staff Attorney Vic Wiener says this bill will potentially cause increased harassment of young Black men.
