A bill that would establish masked intimidation as a crime was passed by the Missouri Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee on Wednesday morning.
The legislation, sponsored by Republican state Rep. David Dolan of Sikeston, would establish the new misdemeanor and outline its punishments.
Masked intimation occurs when a person intentionally harasses, intimidates or threatens any other person while concealing their face with a mask, hood or any other article for the purpose of hiding their identity with the intent to place another person in reasonable fear for their physical safety, according to the bill.
The new crime would generally be classified as a class C misdemeanor, with repeat offenses elevated to a class B misdemeanor.
If the act is proven to be motivated by the victim’s race, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or disability, then the crime can be charged as a class E felony.
As an example of masked intimidation, a representative from the Anti-Defamation League mentioned last year’s march by the Patriot Front, a white supremacist group, that featured masked members in Kansas City.
The bill creates exemptions for masks used for holidays, theatrical productions, occupational safety, protection from the weather, public health and religion.
The legislation includes specific provisions stating that the bill shall not be used to infringe upon First Amendment protections.
“The reality of this mask legislation prevents and responds to crime and harassment,” Dolan said. “It does not stop law-abiding citizens from masking for genuine reasons of health, religious observance or revelry.”
This story originally appeared in the Columbia Missourian. It can be republished in print or online.