New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul’s support for banning masks has been greeted with criticism from some Democrats and civil rights advocates. 

Assemblymember Jen Lunsford, a Democrat, said Hochul's proposal creates a "violation level crime to wear a mask with the intent to harass someone or wearing a mask with the intent to harass and assault someone."

“Not only could it apply too broadly to a group of people, but what does harassment necessarily mean? If someone doesn’t like the content of your protest and you’re wearing a mask, is that harassing or does that begin to impact free speech? That’s a real concern, and as an attorney, I share that concern,” Lunsford added.

Politico reported that some civil rights advocates including the The New York Civil Liberties Union are not in support of the ban either.

“Racial biases are rampant in policing, and a mask ban is going to give police one more reason to stop people of color,” said Allie Bohm, senior policy counsel at the New York Civil Liberties Union, according to Politico.