Legislation, proposed by Scottsdale lawmaker Rep. Jay Lawrence, seeks to make it a felony for protesters to wear any sort of disguise to evade recognition or identification in the commission of any public offense.
According to the language of the proposed law, masks and costumes would also be illegal at civil protests, political events or any "public event.''
“A disguise or mask is an indication of an intent," Lawrence said. "And all we’re saying is, if you intend to do harm at a political rally or demonstration, the police have a right to ask you to unmask and identify yourself.”
But Will Gaona, attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona, said the legislation as crafted is not designed to protect the public, but instead chill the First Amendment rights of those who protest.