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URLhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law
Last Crawled2026-03-23 20:20:59 (14 days ago)
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Meta TitleAnti-mask law - Wikipedia
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Anti-mask or anti-masking laws are legislative or penal initiatives prohibiting the concealment of one's face in public. Anti-mask laws vary widely between jurisdictions in their intent, scope, and penalties. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic [ edit ] During the COVID-19 pandemic , jurisdictions with pre-existing anti-mask laws exempted their mandates on face coverings from such laws, at least in practice. Countries with anti-mask bans as of 2025 :    Ban in public places    Full or partial ban in some localities    Ban on sale and manufacturing    Ban in some public buildings or in the public workplace There are anti-mask laws in many U.S. states and the District of Columbia . [ 1 ] Many anti-mask laws date back to the mid-20th century, when states and municipalities passed them to stop the violent activities of the Ku Klux Klan , whose members typically wore hoods of white linen to conceal their identities. [ 2 ] [ 3 ] In the 21st century those laws have been applied to political protesters such as those affiliated with the Occupy Movement or Anonymous – wearing Guy Fawkes masks . [ 4 ] [ 5 ] [ 6 ] [ 7 ] These laws have been challenged on the grounds that they violate the guarantees of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution to free speech and free association. Some courts have weighed freedom of speech against the public safety interest, and upheld such laws. For example, the Georgia Supreme Court found the law constitutional on the grounds that the wearing of the mask was an act of intimidation and a threat of violence, which is not protected speech. [ 8 ] That law has exceptions for holiday celebrations, theatre performances, and occupational safety; the ruling makes it unclear if someone is violating the law if they wear a mask without the intent to threaten violence. A three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld a New York law on the ground that wearing a Ku Klux Klan mask did not convey a protected message beyond that conveyed by wearing a hood and robe. [ 9 ] Other courts have struck down anti-mask laws. For example, Tennessee and Florida state laws have been invalidated on the grounds that they were unconstitutionally broad. [ 8 ] An ordinance in Goshen, Indiana , was struck down based on First Amendment doctrine that specifically protects anonymous speech and anonymous association, especially for unpopular groups like the KKK. [ 9 ] The book Privacy on the Margins discusses how the use of masks can be a performative act of speech and thus protected by the first amendment. [ 10 ] In September 2025, California passed a law that prohibits local and federal law enforcement from wearing face masks while conducting operations. [ 11 ] The law was passed as a response to the use of face masks by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during enforcement operations. [ 12 ] New York State's anti-mask law was enacted in 1845, to provide for public safety after disputes between landlords and tenants . [ 9 ] Since 2024, a number of counties in the state have implemented or considered reintroducing the pre-COVID anti-mask law. Nassau County implemented its current anti-mask law in August 2024 although there are exception for health and religious reasons. [ 13 ] [ 14 ] After several high-profile protests, the Canadian Parliament introduced Bill C-309 , which bans the wearing of masks during a riot or other unlawful assembly . [ 15 ] [ 16 ] The bill became law on June 19, 2013. [ 17 ] Canada's Criminal Code , Section 351(2), also covers "Disguise with Intent", whereby "Every one who, with intent to commit an indictable offence , has his face masked or coloured or is otherwise disguised is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years". With some exceptions, an indictable offence in Canada is one that is subject to a fine of greater than $5,000 or imprisonment of more than six months. In 2017 a Quebec ban on face covering for transition and government services became publicized. The present table provides a non-exhaustive overview comparing legal restrictions of face coverings in European states. The 2010 French ban on face covering is widely regarded as the most strict, prohibiting face coverings in almost all situations in public places, as opposed to limited restrictions in countries such as Denmark that only outlaws such practices in the context of public assemblies such as demonstrations. Legal restrictions on face covering in Europe State Since Limitations (examples) Situations Exceptions Notes Austria 2002, 2017 Burqas, niqabs, motorcycle full face helmets or face-covering scarves [ 18 ] [ 19 ] Demonstrations, universities, public transportation or courthouses [ 18 ] Face covering for doing one's job [ 19 ] Belgium 2011 Burqas, niqabs and other masks [ 20 ] In public (unspecified) [ 20 ] Upheld by the ECtHR in 2017 [ 20 ] Bulgaria 2016 Burqas, niqabs or other face-covering veils [ 21 ] Government offices, schools, cultural institutions and places of public recreation [ 21 ] Exceptions are allowed for health or professional reasons [ 21 ] National ban was preceded by local bans in Bulgarian towns [ 21 ] Denmark 2000 Hoods, masks, painting or objects that cover one's face and are worn in a way where it prevents identification [ 22 ] Public assemblies [ 23 ] Masking to protect one's face against the weather or worn for another worthy purpose [ 22 ] Does not apply in Greenland or the Faroe Islands [ 22 ] France 2010 Burqas, niqābs, motorcycle full face helmets, balaclavas, hoods and other face-covering veils [ 24 ] Public places [ 24 ] Full face helmets worn on motorcycles [ 24 ] Upheld by the ECtHR in 2014 [ 24 ] Germany 1985 Items suitable and intended to prevent identification [ 25 ] Open-air public assemblies or other open-air public events or on the way there [ 25 ] Competent authorities may provide exemptions if there is no threat to public safety or public order [ 25 ] Italy 1975 Any mask or clothing that obstructs identification [ 26 ] In public (unspecified) [ 26 ] Exceptions are allowed for a "justified cause" [ 26 ] There are disagreements whether one's religion is a "justified cause" [ 26 ] Netherlands 2019 Burqas, niqabs, motorcycle full face helmets, balaclavas [ 27 ] [ 28 ] Public transport, in buildings and associated yards of educational, governmental and healthcare institutions [ 27 ] Face covering for doing one's job or sport, for health or security, in healthcare residences [ 27 ] In force since 1 August 2019 [ 29 ] Latvia 2016? Hoods, masks, burqas, niqabs or objects to cover one's face Public places [ 30 ] [ needs update ] Islamic face veil to be banned in Latvia [ needs update ] Norway 1995 Masks (unspecified) [ 31 ] Public events such as demonstrations, marches, meetings, stands or similar [ 31 ] Spain 2013 Face-coverings (unspecified) [ 32 ] Public demonstrations [ 32 ] Sweden 2005 Face-coverings (unspecified) that complicate identification [ 33 ] Public demonstrations where public order is or may be disturbed [ 33 ] Does not apply to religion-motivated face-coverings, or when demonstrators are authorised to cover their faces [ 33 ] Switzerland 2021 Burqas, niqabs or other face-covering veils Masks worn for medical reasons Anti-mask laws in Europe as of 2025:    National ban – country bans wearing full-face veils in public    Local ban – cities or regions ban full-face veils    Partial ban – government bans full-face veils in some locations In Austria since 2002, masking ban on demonstrations under § 9 of the Assembly Law (Versammlungsgesetz). Violation of the ban need not be prosecuted if the mask does not threaten public order and security. Violation of the ban entails, according to § 19a.b of the Law, imprisonment up to six months, repeated offenses one year or a fine. Parliament approved new legislation on 16 May 2017, which stipulates that people who wear clothing that covers their faces, such as burqas, niqabs, full face helmets or scarves (motorcyclists) etc. in places like universities, public transportation or courthouses will face fines of 150 euros (about $167). The measure took effect in October 2017. [ 18 ] [ 19 ] Shortly after the enactment on 1 October 2017, there were some incidents in which people were incorrectly fined by the police, leading some commentators to point out flaws in the law, or incorrect understanding of it amongst the police. [ 19 ] A Belgian law adopted in June 2011 prohibits appearing in public "with a face masked or hidden, in whole or in part, in such a way as to be unidentifiable". Violations can result in fines and up to seven days in jail. On 11 July 2017 the ban in Belgium was upheld by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) after having been challenged by two Muslim women who claimed their rights had been infringed. [ 20 ] Wearing masks or other objects that cover the face in a way where identification is prevented during assemblies in a public place is illegal in Denmark. [ 22 ] [ 23 ] The Danish Penal Code § 134 b, effective from 3 June 2000, makes the violation punishable by a fine or up to six months imprisonment. Part 2 of § 134 b further criminalizes the possession of effects which must be viewed as intended to be used for masking in an assembly. The §134 b, part 3, exempts from penalty masking which is done to protect one's face against the weather or worn for another worthy purpose. [ 22 ] The ban does not apply in the autonomous territories of Greenland or the Faroe Islands . [ 22 ] The French ban on face covering is an act of parliament passed by the Senate of France on 14 September 2010, resulting in the ban on the wearing of face-covering headgear, including masks, helmets, balaclava, niqābs and other veils covering the face in public places, except under specified circumstances. Since 1985, according to § 17a Abs. 2 Versammlungsgesetz it is prohibited to disguise one's identity in public meetings such as demonstrations so as to prevent identification by police. This violation can be fined with imprisonment up to one year. [ 25 ] In Italy, a law issued in 1975 strictly forbids wearing of any attire that could hide the face of a person. Penalties (fines and imprisonment) are provided for such behaviour. The original purpose of the anti-mask law was to prevent crime or terrorism. The law allows for exemptions for a "justified cause", which has sometimes been interpreted by courts as including religious reasons for wearing a veil, but others –including local governments– disagree and claim religion is not a "justified cause" in this context. [ 26 ] In Latvia, a law issued in 2016 to ban niqab and burqa in entire country was passed by Latvian parliament. [ 30 ] In the Netherlands, a first attempt towards a partial prohibition on face covering was made from 2012 to 2015, but the bill was struck down. A new attempt was made in the years after when a new bill was submitted on 27 November 2015. Eventually a limited anti-mask law was passed on 26 June 2018. The law is called Instelling van een gedeeltelijk verbod op het dragen van gezichtsbedekkende kleding in het onderwijs, het openbaar vervoer, overheidsgebouwen en de zorg (Wet gedeeltelijk verbod gezichtsbedekkende kleding) ("Introduction of a partial ban on the wearing of face-covering clothing in education, public transport, governmental buildings and healthcare (Partial Face-Covering Clothing Ban Act)"). It is illegal to wear clothing which covers the entire face, or covered up to the point where only the eyes are uncovered, or renders the face unrecognisable, on public transport and in buildings and associated yards of educational institutions, governmental institutions and healthcare institutions. Frequently cited examples are a full face helmet , a balaclava , a burqa or a niqāb . Clothes exempt from the Act are: those worn by clients, patients or their visitors in residential parts of healthcare institutions; those necessary for the protection of the body in relation to health or security; those necessary in relation to the requirements made to the performance of a profession or sport. On 26 June 2018, the bill was passed in the Dutch Senate . [ 28 ] [ 34 ] [ 27 ] Concealment of faces in public is legal in Norway, except when taking part in a public event. Exempted from the prohibition of concealment in public events are participants in theatre, masquerade or similar. In accordance with the Norwegian police law, violation is punishable by a fine or up to three months imprisonment. [ 31 ] According to a Russian federal law "On assemblies, meetings, demonstrations, marches and picketing", Article 6 as of June 2012: [ 35 ] [ 36 ] [ 37 ] it is prohibited to wear masks and "any other means of hiding identity during public events; the organizer of an event must require all the people taking part not to use any means of hiding identity. The punishment for the violation of the given law was introduced in July 2014 and is provided by the federal code on administrative offences . [ 38 ] [ 39 ] According to the November 2013 Citizens' Security Law ( Ley mordaza  [ es ] ), demonstration protesters who cover their faces may be fined up to € 30,000. [ 32 ] According to the 2005 'Law on the Prohibition of masking in some cases', it is prohibited for participants in the demonstration to fully or partially cover the face in a way that complicates identification. This prohibition applies only if there are disturbances of public order at demonstrations, or if there is an immediate danger of such disturbances. The ban does not apply to the covering of the face for religious reasons. It also does not apply to the extent participants are authorized (under 2 Ch. 7 a § Order Act) to fully or partially cover the face. [ 33 ] In the cantons of Basel-Stadt (1990), Zurich (1995), Bern (1999), Lucerne (2004), Thurgau (2004), Solothurn (2006) and St. Gallen (2009), there are laws banning use of masks [1] . [ citation needed ] In a referendum on 7 March 2021, Swiss voters approved a nationwide ban on face concealment, with over 51% of the electorate supporting it. [ 40 ] Several days after Berkut riot police clashed with Euromaidan protesters, Verkhovna Rada enacted law 721-VII banning wearing masks, helmets or camouflage clothing by people taking part in a gathering, assembly, demonstration, protest, rally or other mass event. Fines for violating are monetary up to about $400 or administrative arrest up to 15 days. [ 41 ] The law was repealed in January 2014. [ 42 ] [ 43 ] [ 44 ] For a century, covering or blacking one's face was a criminal act that could lead to the death penalty; the 1723 Black Act was repealed in 1823. It is legal to wear a mask in public in Australia . Motorcycle riders wearing full face helmets are generally required to remove them when entering a bank. A judge in New South Wales has ruled that a woman cannot give evidence in a niqāb . [ 45 ] A Victorian judge extended the ban to wearing a niqāb in the public gallery. [ 46 ] In Victoria , The participants of a violence disorder to cover their face in order to conceal the participant's identity or to protect the participant from the effects of a crowd-controlling substance will result in a higher imprisoned period from 10 years to 15 years. [ 47 ] New South Wales police can require a motorist to remove head coverings, including masks, for identification purposes. [ 48 ] On 4 October 2019, the HKSAR Government invoked the Emergency Regulations Ordinance to implement an anti-mask law in response to the ongoing protest. On 4 October 2019, the Government of Hong Kong invoked the rarely used colonial-era Emergency Regulations Ordinance to implement the Prohibition on Face Covering Regulation (PFCR), an anti-mask law [ 49 ] in response to the ongoing protest that year . The law bans protesters from covering their faces whether in full or partially during protests, including at rallies given a "Letter of No Objection" under the Public Order Ordinance . [ 50 ] Anyone who wears a mask at a lawful rally or march, unlawful or unauthorised assembly, or during a riot could be sentenced to up to a year in jail and a fine of HK$25,000. Exemptions include those at protests wearing masks for professional or paid work, or for religious or medical reasons. In addition, the law states that anyone who disobeys a police order to remove a mask could be sentenced to six months in jail and a HK$10,000 fine. Paint is also included in the definition of "face-covering". The legislation went into effect from midnight on 5 October until further notice, and the Hong Kong High Court refused to rule out an interim injunction order but the court will later decide whether to allow a judicial review into the invocation of the Emergency Regulations Ordinance. [ 51 ] [ 52 ] In response to the government's implementation of the law, netizens widely shared a speech by Edward Leung in a televised debate during the 2016 Legco election , "A few years ago, Ukraine passed an anti-mask law. Do you know what happened in Ukraine? A revolution started in Ukraine. You want to do it? Do it, we will fight till the end." [ 53 ] On 18 November 2019, the High Court ruled s3(1)(b), (c), (d) and s5 of the PFCR failed the proportionality test as they placed restrictions on fundamental rights beyond intended goals. The judgement levelled criticism at various aspects including: the lack of a declared state of emergency to justify invoking the ERO, the law applies to both unlawful and lawful gatherings, the lack of a mechanism to distinguish the two, and the unwarranted breadth of the 'stop and unmask' power granted to police. The court also ruled that the ERO sections empowering the Chief-Executive-in Council to make laws "on any occasion of public danger" is incompatible with multiple articles of the Hong Kong Basic Law , however, constitutional status is open to question. The court also held the ordinance meets the "prescribed by law" requirement. [ 54 ] In response, the government said that it would stop enforcing the ban for the time being. [ 55 ] [ 56 ] [ 57 ] A spokesman from the Chinese legislative affairs commission, however, stated that "Whether the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region comply with the Basic Law of Hong Kong can only be judged and decided by the standing committee of the National People's Congress ". [ 58 ] On 22 November 2019, the High Court made the following remark: "Nevertheless, we recognise that our Judgment is only a judgment at first instance, and will soon be subject to an appeal to the Court of Appeal. In view of the great public importance of the issues raised in this case, and the highly exceptional circumstances that Hong Kong is currently facing, we consider it right that we should grant a short interim suspension order so that the respondents may have an opportunity to apply to the Court of Appeal, if so advised, for such interim relief as may be appropriate. Accordingly, we shall grant an interim temporary suspension order to postpone the coming into operation of the declarations of invalidity for a period of 7 days up to the end of 29 November 2019, with liberty to apply." [ 59 ] [ 60 ] On 26 November 2019, the High Court announced hearing for the government appeal against the judgement is on 9 January 2020. [ 61 ] On 27 November 2019, the Court of Appeal extended the interim suspension of the judgment until 10 December 2019. [ 62 ] [ 63 ] On 10 December 2019, the Court of Appeal refused to suspend the "unconstitutional" ruling by the Court of First Instance on the anti-mask regulation. A full hearing was scheduled to commence on 9 January 2020. [ 64 ] [ 65 ] [ 66 ] On 21 December 2020, it was ruled by the Court of Final Appeal that the prohibition on the use of face coverings was constitutional. [ 67 ] Surveillance Niqāb § Enforcement, encouragement and bans Zentai Islamophobia Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic First Amendment Encyclopedia ^ "CND: State Codes Related To Wearing Masks" . www.anapsid.org . ^ "UNMASKING THE KLAN" . Southern Poverty Law Center . 1999-09-15. ^ "New York Penal Law – PEN § 240.35 | FindLaw" . Findlaw . Retrieved 2017-01-30 . ^ "Occupy's Halloween Party Might Break D.C.'s Anti-Mask Law" . Archived from the original on October 18, 2014. ^ Coscarelli, Joe (September 20, 2011). "Old Anti-Mask Law Foils Wall Street Protestors" . Daily Intelligencer . Retrieved 2018-07-13 . ^ "With a 'Hi-Oh, Silver!' ACLU Challenges Michigan Anti-Mask Law on Behalf of "Lone Ranger" Protesters" . American Civil Liberties Union . Retrieved 2023-01-18 . ^ Simoni, Stephen J. (1992). " "Who Goes There?" -- Proposing a Model Anti-Mask Act" . Fordham Law Review . 61 (1). ^ a b Applebome, Peter (1990-12-06). "Georgia Supreme Court Reinstates Ban on Wearing of Klan Masks" . The New York Times . Retrieved 2018-07-13 . ^ a b c Drew, Kevin (Jan 23, 2004). "Justice not so clear-cut over laws directed at Klan" . Archived from the original on 2018-07-14 . Retrieved 2018-07-13 . ^ Skinner-Thompson, Scott (2021). Privacy at the margins . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN   978-1-107-18137-3 . ^ "California bans most law enforcement officers from wearing masks during operations" . ABC7 Los Angeles . 2025-09-20 . Retrieved 2025-09-20 . ^ "Governor Newsom signs laws to protect school children and hospital patients, and limit fear tactics used by Trump's secret police force to terrorize communities" . Governor of California . 2025-09-20 . Retrieved 2025-09-20 . ^ "New York county signs first mask ban into US law, sparking controversy" . The Guardian . 14 August 2024 . Retrieved 3 February 2025 . ^ "Wearing masks in public is now illegal in this New York county, with exceptions" . ABC News . 8 August 2024 . Retrieved 3 February 2025 . ^ "Canadian Anti-Masking Bill Imminent | Vancouver Media Co-op" . ^ Police chiefs back anti-mask bill ^ Meagan Fitzpatrick, CBC News Wearing a mask at a riot is now a crime https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/wearing-a-mask-at-a-riot-is-now-a-crime-1.1306458 ^ a b c Dan Bilefsky and Victor Homola (17 May 2017). "Austrian Parliament Bans Full Facial Veils in Public" . The New York Times . Retrieved 27 June 2018 . ^ a b c d Rick Noack (9 October 2017). "Austria's new anti-burqa law isn't quite working as intended" . The Washington Post . Retrieved 27 June 2018 . ^ a b c d "Top Europe court upholds ban on full-face veil in Belgium" . Al-Arabiyya English . 11 July 2017. Archived from the original on 13 July 2017 . Retrieved 11 July 2017 . ^ a b c d Angel Krasimirov (1 October 2016). "Bulgaria the latest European country to ban the burqa and niqab in public places" . The Sydney Morning Herald . Retrieved 27 June 2018 . ^ a b c d e f "LOV nr 440 af 31/05/2000 om ændring af straffeloven (Maskeringsforbud)" . retsinformation.dk (in Danish). Civilstyrelsen . Retrieved 27 June 2018 . ^ a b "Danes march in Copenhagen to protest ban on wearing face veils in public" . Reuters . 21 August 2018 . Retrieved 5 September 2022 . ^ a b c d Kim Willsher (1 July 2014). "France's burqa ban upheld by human rights court" . The Guardian . Retrieved 27 June 2018 . ^ a b c d "§ 17a VersG" . dejure.org . Retrieved 2014-02-16 . ^ a b c d e "Police stop Muslim woman wearing veil in Italy" . BBC News . 3 May 2010 . Retrieved 27 June 2018 . ^ a b c d "Gedeeltelijk verbod gezichtsbedekkende kleding" (in Dutch). Rijksoverheid. 26 June 2018. Archived from the original on 5 February 2021 . Retrieved 27 June 2018 . ^ a b "Eerste Kamer stemt in met 'boerkaverbod' " . nu.nl (in Dutch). 26 June 2018 . Retrieved 26 June 2018 . ^ Petra Vissers (1 August 2019). "Wie handhaaft het boerkaverbod? (dat eigenlijk niet zo mag heten)" . Trouw (in Dutch) . Retrieved 1 August 2019 . ^ a b "Islamic face veil to be banned in Latvia despite being worn by just three women in entire country | The Independent | The Independent" . Independent.co.uk . 21 April 2016. ^ a b c "LOV-1995-08-04-53, Lov om politiet (politiloven)" . Lovdata . Government of Norway . Retrieved 27 June 2018 . ^ a b c "Spain's anti-protest bill criticized as anti-democratic" . Reuters . 29 November 2013. Archived from the original on 2014-02-17 . Retrieved 2014-02-16 . ^ a b c d "Lag (2005:900) om förbud mot maskering i vissa fall" . Lagen.nu. 2006-01-01 . Retrieved 2014-02-16 . ^ "Wet gedeeltelijk verbod gezichtsbedekkende kleding" (in Dutch). Dutch Senate . Retrieved 27 June 2018 . ^ Federal Law on Assemblies, Meetings, Demonstrations, Marches and Picketing No. 54-FZ OF 19 June 2004 of the Russian Federation* as amended by Federal Law No. 65-FZ of 8 June 2012 (*Unofficial) (PDF) . Strasbourg: Council of Europe, European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission). 2012. p. 6. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 February 2019 . Retrieved 18 February 2019 . ^ Федеральный закон "О собраниях, митингах, демонстрациях, шествиях и пикетированиях" от 19.06.2004 N 54-ФЗ (последняя редакция) . www.consultant.ru . Консультант. ^ Закон о собраниях, митингах, демонстрациях, шествиях и пикетированиях . Российская газета (in Russian) . Retrieved 2019-02-18 . ^ Госдума ввела тюремные сроки до пяти лет за неоднократные нарушения на митингах . ТАСС . Retrieved 2019-02-18 . ^ КоАП РФ Ст. 20.2. Нарушение установленного порядка организации либо проведения собрания, митинга, демонстрации, шествия или пикетирования . legalacts.ru . Retrieved 2019-02-18 . ^ "Votation populaire du 7 mars 2021" . www.ge.ch . ^ "Parliament Bans Wearing Masks, Helmets, Camouflage Clothing At Mass Rallies" . Ukrainian News . Un.ua. 2014-01-17. Archived from the original on 2014-02-28 . Retrieved 2014-02-16 . ^ Верховная Рада отменила "скандальные" законы – В Украине . MIGnews.com.ua. 2014-01-28. Archived from the original on 2014-04-23 . Retrieved 2014-02-16 . ^ Kramer, Andrew E. (January 28, 2014). "Ukrainian Prime Minister Resigns as Parliament Repeals Restrictive Laws" . The New York Times . Retrieved 2018-07-13 . ^ Flanagan, Ed (2014-01-28). "Ukraine anti-protest laws repealed; PM resigns" . NBC News . Retrieved 2014-02-16 . ^ "Woman cannot give evidence in a niqab, Australian court rules" . TheGuardian.com . December 2016. ^ "Victorian judge bans niqab in court's public gallery" . TheGuardian.com . 18 July 2018. ^ "Crimes Act 1958" (PDF) . Victorian Legislation . The State Government of Victoria . Retrieved 14 March 2024 . ^ Corderoy, Amy. "Police given broad powers to remove facial coverings" . The Sydney Morning Herald . Retrieved 2017-01-23 . ^ Prohibition on Face Covering Regulation , elegislation.gov.hk ^ "Hong Kong officially enacts emergency laws to ban masks at protests as NGOs criticise 'draconian' measure" . Hong Kong Free Press. 4 October 2019 . Retrieved 4 October 2019 . ^ "Hong Kong protest march descends into violence" . BBC News . 6 October 2019. ^ "High Court again refuses injunction over mask ban" . RTHK . Retrieved 2019-10-08 . ^ Cheng, Kris (5 October 2019). "Crowdfunding campaign for jailed activist Edward Leung's appeal surpasses HK$350,000 goal within 15 minutes" . Hong Kong Free Press HKFP . Retrieved 22 November 2019 . ^ "KWOK WING HANG AND OTHERS v. CHIEF EXECUTIVE IN COUNCIL AND ANOTHER [2019] HKCFI 2820; HCAL 2945/2019 (18 November 2019)" . www.hklii.hk . Retrieved 2019-11-20 . ^ Hong Kong's High Court rules anti-mask law unconstitutional , HKFP , 18 Nov 2019 ^ People free to wear masks again: govt , RTHK , 18 Nov 2019 ^ Ban on masks must follow legal process , SCMP, 18 Nov 2019 ^ "Hong Kong courts have no power to rule on face mask ban, says China" . The Guardian . 19 November 2019 . Retrieved 22 November 2019 . ^ "KWOK WING HANG AND OTHERS v. CHIEF EXECUTIVE IN COUNCIL AND ANOTHER [2019] HKCFI 2820; HCAL 2945/2019 (22 November 2019) para 38" . legalref.judiciary.hk . Retrieved 2019-11-23 . ^ "KWOK WING HANG AND OTHERS v. CHIEF EXECUTIVE IN COUNCIL AND ANOTHER [2019] HKCFI 2884; HCAL 2945/2019 (22 November 2019)" . www.hklii.hk . Retrieved 2019-11-27 . ^ Standard, The. "Anti-mask ruling appeal set for January" . The Standard . Retrieved 2019-11-26 . ^ "Court extends anti-mask law suspension, say pan-dems - RTHK" . news.rthk.hk . Retrieved 2019-11-27 . ^ "Ruling that Hong Kong mask ban is invalid suspended until December 10" . South China Morning Post . 2019-11-27 . Retrieved 2019-11-28 . ^ "Hong Kong court lifts mask ban, refusing government request to suspend earlier ruling" . South China Morning Post . 2019-12-10 . Retrieved 2019-12-10 . ^ "Court deals govt blow over mask ban ruling - RTHK" . news.rthk.hk . Retrieved 2019-12-10 . ^ Standard, The. "Court of Appeal rejects mask ban ruling suspension" . The Standard . Retrieved 2019-12-10 . ^ "Hong Kong mask ban constitutional for all public meetings, court rules" . South China Morning Post . 2020-12-21 . Retrieved 2024-12-13 .
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[Jump to content](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#bodyContent) Main menu Main menu move to sidebar hide Navigation - [Main page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page "Visit the main page [z]") - [Contents](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contents "Guides to browsing Wikipedia") - [Current events](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Current_events "Articles related to current events") - [Random article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random "Visit a randomly selected article [x]") - [About Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:About "Learn about Wikipedia and how it works") - [Contact us](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contact_us "How to contact Wikipedia") Contribute - [Help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents "Guidance on how to use and edit Wikipedia") - [Learn to edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Introduction "Learn how to edit Wikipedia") - [Community portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Community_portal "The hub for editors") - [Recent changes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:RecentChanges "A list of recent changes to Wikipedia [r]") - [Upload file](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:File_upload_wizard "Add images or other media for use on Wikipedia") - [Special pages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:SpecialPages "A list of all special pages [q]") [![](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/images/icons/enwiki-25.svg) ![Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/images/mobile/copyright/wikipedia-wordmark-en-25.svg) ![The Free Encyclopedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/static/images/mobile/copyright/wikipedia-tagline-en-25.svg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page) [Search](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search "Search Wikipedia [f]") Appearance - [Donate](https://donate.wikimedia.org/?wmf_source=donate&wmf_medium=sidebar&wmf_campaign=en.wikipedia.org&uselang=en) - [Create account](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:CreateAccount&returnto=Anti-mask+law "You are encouraged to create an account and log in; however, it is not mandatory") - [Log in](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&returnto=Anti-mask+law "You're encouraged to log in; however, it's not mandatory. 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[o]") ## Contents move to sidebar hide - [(Top)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law) - [1 Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#Impact_of_the_COVID-19_pandemic) - [2 By country](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#By_country) Toggle By country subsection - [2\.1 North America](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#North_America) - [2\.1.1 United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#United_States) - [2\.1.1.1 California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#California) - [2\.1.1.2 New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#New_York) - [2\.1.2 Canada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#Canada) - [2\.2 Europe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#Europe) - [2\.2.1 Austria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#Austria) - [2\.2.2 Belgium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#Belgium) - [2\.2.3 Denmark](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#Denmark) - [2\.2.4 France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#France) - [2\.2.5 Germany](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#Germany) - [2\.2.6 Italy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#Italy) - [2\.2.7 Latvia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#Latvia) - [2\.2.8 Netherlands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#Netherlands) - [2\.2.9 Norway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#Norway) - [2\.2.10 Russia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#Russia) - [2\.2.11 Spain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#Spain) - [2\.2.12 Sweden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#Sweden) - [2\.2.13 Switzerland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#Switzerland) - [2\.2.14 Ukraine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#Ukraine) - [2\.2.15 United Kingdom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#United_Kingdom) - [2\.3 Asia-Pacific](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#Asia-Pacific) - [2\.3.1 Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#Australia) - [2\.3.2 Hong Kong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#Hong_Kong) - [2\.3.2.1 Judicial review](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#Judicial_review) - [3 See also](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#See_also) - [4 References](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#References) Toggle the table of contents # Anti-mask law 12 languages - [العربية](https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D9%82%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%86_%D9%85%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%AD%D8%A9_%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B9_%D8%A3%D9%88_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%82%D9%86%D8%B9 "قوانين مكافحة القناع أو التقنع – Arabic") - [Deutsch](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vermummungsverbot "Vermummungsverbot – German") - [Esperanto](https://eo.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viza%C4%9Dkovraj_vesta%C4%B5oj "Vizaĝkovraj vestaĵoj – Esperanto") - [Español](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leyes_antim%C3%A1scaras "Leyes antimáscaras – Spanish") - [Հայերեն](https://hy.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D4%B4%D5%AB%D5%B4%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%B6%D5%A5%D6%80_%D5%AF%D6%80%D5%A5%D5%AC%D5%B8%D6%82_%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A3%D5%A5%D5%AC%D6%84 "Դիմակներ կրելու արգելք – Armenian") - [Nederlands](https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verbod_op_gezichtsbedekkende_kleding "Verbod op gezichtsbedekkende kleding – Dutch") - [Русский](https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%97%D0%B0%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%82_%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%88%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5_%D0%BC%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%BA "Запрет на ношение масок – Russian") - [Srpskohrvatski / српскохрватски](https://sh.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimaskirni_zakoni "Antimaskirni zakoni – Serbo-Croatian") - [Svenska](https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maskeringsf%C3%B6rbud "Maskeringsförbud – Swedish") - [Türkçe](https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maske_kar%C5%9F%C4%B1t%C4%B1_yasalar "Maske karşıtı yasalar – Turkish") - [Oʻzbekcha / ўзбекча](https://uz.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niqobga_qarshi_qonun "Niqobga qarshi qonun – Uzbek") - [中文](https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%A6%81%E8%92%99%E9%9D%A2%E6%B3%95 "禁蒙面法 – Chinese") [Edit links](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Special:EntityPage/Q1318900#sitelinks-wikipedia "Edit interlanguage links") - [Article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law "View the content page [c]") - [Talk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Anti-mask_law "Discuss improvements to the content page [t]") English - [Read](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law) - [Edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit "Edit this page [e]") - [View history](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=history "Past revisions of this page [h]") Tools Tools move to sidebar hide Actions - [Read](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law) - [Edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit "Edit this page [e]") - [View history](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=history) General - [What links here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:WhatLinksHere/Anti-mask_law "List of all English Wikipedia pages containing links to this page [j]") - [Related changes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:RecentChangesLinked/Anti-mask_law "Recent changes in pages linked from this page [k]") - [Upload file](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:File_Upload_Wizard "Upload files [u]") - [Permanent link](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&oldid=1341992108 "Permanent link to this revision of this page") - [Page information](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=info "More information about this page") - [Cite this page](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:CiteThisPage&page=Anti-mask_law&id=1341992108&wpFormIdentifier=titleform "Information on how to cite this page") - [Get shortened URL](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:UrlShortener&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FAnti-mask_law) Print/export - [Download as PDF](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:DownloadAsPdf&page=Anti-mask_law&action=show-download-screen "Download this page as a PDF file") - [Printable version](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&printable=yes "Printable version of this page [p]") In other projects - [Wikidata item](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Special:EntityPage/Q1318900 "Structured data on this page hosted by Wikidata [g]") Appearance move to sidebar hide From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Laws against concealing one's face in public **Anti-mask** or **anti-masking laws** are legislative or penal initiatives prohibiting the concealment of one's face in public. Anti-mask laws vary widely between jurisdictions in their intent, scope, and penalties. ## Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=1 "Edit section: Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic")\] See also: [Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic § Attitudes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Face_masks_during_the_COVID-19_pandemic#Attitudes "Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic") During the [COVID-19 pandemic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_pandemic "COVID-19 pandemic"), jurisdictions with pre-existing anti-mask laws exempted their [mandates on face coverings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Face_masks_during_the_COVID-19_pandemic "Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic") from such laws, at least in practice. ## By country \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=2 "Edit section: By country")\] [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0b/Burka_ban_world_map.svg/500px-Burka_ban_world_map.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Burka_ban_world_map.svg) Countries with anti-mask bans as of 2025[\[update\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit): Ban in public places Full or partial ban in some localities Ban on sale and manufacturing Ban in some public buildings or in the public workplace ### North America \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=3 "Edit section: North America")\] #### United States \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=4 "Edit section: United States")\] See also: [Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Face_masks_during_the_COVID-19_pandemic_in_the_United_States "Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States") There are anti-mask laws in many U.S. states and the [District of Columbia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/District_of_Columbia "District of Columbia").[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-anapsid-1) - Many anti-mask laws date back to the mid-20th century, when states and municipalities passed them to stop the violent activities of the [Ku Klux Klan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ku_Klux_Klan "Ku Klux Klan"), whose members typically wore [hoods](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ku_Klux_Klan_hood "Ku Klux Klan hood") of white linen to conceal their identities.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-2)[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-3) - In the 21st century those laws have been applied to political protesters such as those affiliated with the [Occupy Movement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupy_Movement "Occupy Movement") or [Anonymous](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anonymous_\(group\) "Anonymous (group)") – wearing [Guy Fawkes masks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes_mask "Guy Fawkes mask").[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-4)[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-5)[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-6)[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-7) These laws have been challenged on the grounds that they violate the guarantees of the [First Amendment to the United States Constitution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution "First Amendment to the United States Constitution") to free speech and free association. Some courts have weighed freedom of speech against the public safety interest, and upheld such laws. For example, the [Georgia Supreme Court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_Georgia_\(U.S._state\) "Supreme Court of Georgia (U.S. state)") found the law constitutional on the grounds that the wearing of the mask was an act of intimidation and a threat of violence, which is not protected speech.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-nyt-8) That law has exceptions for holiday celebrations, theatre performances, and occupational safety; the ruling makes it unclear if someone is violating the law if they wear a mask without the intent to threaten violence. A three-judge panel of the [United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Court_of_Appeals_for_the_Second_Circuit "United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit") upheld a New York law on the ground that wearing a Ku Klux Klan mask did not convey a protected message beyond that conveyed by wearing a hood and robe.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-cnn-9) Other courts have struck down anti-mask laws. For example, Tennessee and Florida state laws have been invalidated on the grounds that they were unconstitutionally broad.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-nyt-8) An ordinance in [Goshen, Indiana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goshen,_Indiana "Goshen, Indiana"), was struck down based on First Amendment doctrine that [specifically protects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution#Anonymous_speech "First Amendment to the United States Constitution") anonymous speech and anonymous association, especially for unpopular groups like the KKK.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-cnn-9) The book *[Privacy on the Margins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Privacy_at_the_Margins "Privacy at the Margins")* discusses how the use of masks can be a performative act of speech and thus protected by the first amendment.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-10) ##### California \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=5 "Edit section: California")\] See also: [No Secret Police Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Secret_Police_Act "No Secret Police Act") In September 2025, California passed a law that prohibits local and federal [law enforcement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_enforcement "Law enforcement") from wearing face masks while conducting operations.[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-11) The law was passed as a response to the use of face masks by [Immigrations and Customs Enforcement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigrations_and_Customs_Enforcement "Immigrations and Customs Enforcement") (ICE) during enforcement operations.[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-12) ##### New York \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=6 "Edit section: New York")\] New York State's anti-mask law was enacted in 1845, to provide for public safety after disputes between [landlords and tenants](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Rent_War "Anti-Rent War").[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-cnn-9) Since 2024, a number of counties in the state have implemented or considered reintroducing the pre-COVID anti-mask law. Nassau County implemented its current anti-mask law in August 2024 although there are exception for health and religious reasons.[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-13)[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-14) #### Canada \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=7 "Edit section: Canada")\] - After several high-profile protests, the [Canadian Parliament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Parliament "Canadian Parliament") introduced [Bill C-309](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_C-309 "Bill C-309"), which bans the wearing of masks during a riot or other [unlawful assembly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unlawful_assembly "Unlawful assembly").[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-15)[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-16) The bill became law on June 19, 2013.[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-17) - Canada's [Criminal Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_Code_\(Canada\) "Criminal Code (Canada)"), Section 351(2), also covers "Disguise with Intent", whereby "Every one who, with intent to commit an [indictable offence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indictable_offence "Indictable offence"), has his face masked or coloured or is otherwise disguised is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years". With some exceptions, an indictable offence in Canada is one that is subject to a fine of greater than \$5,000 or imprisonment of more than six months. - In 2017 a [Quebec ban on face covering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_ban_on_face_covering "Quebec ban on face covering") for transition and government services became publicized. ### Europe \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=8 "Edit section: Europe")\] Further information: [Hijab and burka controversies in Europe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hijab_and_burka_controversies_in_Europe "Hijab and burka controversies in Europe") See also: [Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic § Europe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Face_masks_during_the_COVID-19_pandemic#Europe "Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic") The present table provides a non-exhaustive overview comparing legal restrictions of face coverings in European states. The 2010 [French ban on face covering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_ban_on_face_covering "French ban on face covering") is widely regarded as the most strict, prohibiting face coverings in almost all situations in public places, as opposed to limited restrictions in countries such as Denmark that only outlaws such practices in the context of public assemblies such as demonstrations. | State | Since | Limitations (examples) | Situations | Exceptions | Notes | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | [Austria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austria "Austria") | 2002, 2017 | Burqas, niqabs, [motorcycle full face helmets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_helmet#Full_face "Motorcycle helmet") or face-covering scarves[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Bilefsky-18)[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Noack-19) | Demonstrations, universities, public transportation or courthouses[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Bilefsky-18) | Face covering for doing one's job[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Noack-19) | | | [Belgium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgium "Belgium") | 2011 | Burqas, niqabs and other masks[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Belgium17-20) | In public (unspecified)[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Belgium17-20) | | Upheld by the [ECtHR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Court_of_Human_Rights "European Court of Human Rights") in 2017[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Belgium17-20) | | [Bulgaria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgaria "Bulgaria") | 2016 | Burqas, niqabs or other face-covering veils[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Krasimirov-21) | Government offices, schools, cultural institutions and places of public recreation[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Krasimirov-21) | Exceptions are allowed for health or professional reasons[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Krasimirov-21) | National ban was preceded by local bans in Bulgarian towns[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Krasimirov-21) | | [Denmark](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denmark "Denmark") | 2000 | Hoods, masks, painting or objects that cover one's face and are worn in a way where it prevents identification[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Maskeringsforbud-22) | Public assemblies[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Reuters,_1_August_2018-23) | Masking to protect one's face against the weather or worn for another worthy purpose[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Maskeringsforbud-22) | Does not apply in [Greenland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenland "Greenland") or the [Faroe Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faroe_Islands "Faroe Islands")[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Maskeringsforbud-22) | | [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France "France") | [2010](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_ban_on_face_covering "French ban on face covering") | Burqas, niqābs, motorcycle full face helmets, balaclavas, hoods and other face-covering veils[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Willsher-24) | Public places[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Willsher-24) | Full face helmets worn on motorcycles[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Willsher-24) | Upheld by the [ECtHR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Court_of_Human_Rights "European Court of Human Rights") in 2014[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Willsher-24) | | [Germany](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany "Germany") | 1985 | Items suitable and intended to prevent identification[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Dejure-25) | Open-air public assemblies or other open-air public events or on the way there[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Dejure-25) | Competent authorities may provide exemptions if there is no threat to public safety or public order[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Dejure-25) | | | [Italy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy "Italy") | 1975 | Any mask or clothing that obstructs identification[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-BBCItaly-26) | In public (unspecified)[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-BBCItaly-26) | Exceptions are allowed for a "justified cause"[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-BBCItaly-26) | There are disagreements whether one's religion is a "justified cause"[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-BBCItaly-26) | | [Netherlands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands "Netherlands") | 2019 | Burqas, niqabs, motorcycle full face helmets, balaclavas[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Rijksoverheid-27)[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Nu.nl-28) | Public transport, in buildings and associated yards of educational, governmental and healthcare institutions[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Rijksoverheid-27) | Face covering for doing one's job or sport, for health or security, in healthcare residences[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Rijksoverheid-27) | In force since 1 August 2019[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-29) | | [Latvia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latvia "Latvia") | 2016? | Hoods, masks, burqas, niqabs or objects to cover one's face | Public places[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Islamic_face_veil_to_be_banned_in_Latvia-30)\[*[needs update](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Dates_and_numbers#Chronological_items "Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers")*\] | | Islamic face veil to be banned in Latvia\[*[needs update](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Dates_and_numbers#Chronological_items "Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers")*\] | | [Norway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway "Norway") | 1995 | Masks (unspecified)[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Lovdata-31) | Public events such as demonstrations, marches, meetings, stands or similar[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Lovdata-31) | | | | [Spain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain "Spain") | 2013 | Face-coverings (unspecified)[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-mordaza-32) | Public demonstrations[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-mordaza-32) | | | | [Sweden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweden "Sweden") | 2005 | Face-coverings (unspecified) that complicate identification[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Lagen-33) | Public demonstrations where public order is or may be disturbed[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Lagen-33) | Does not apply to religion-motivated face-coverings, or when demonstrators are authorised to cover their faces[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Lagen-33) | | | [Switzerland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland "Switzerland") | 2021 | Burqas, niqabs or other face-covering veils | | Masks worn for medical reasons | | [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/14/Full-face_veils_ban_in_Europe.svg/500px-Full-face_veils_ban_in_Europe.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Full-face_veils_ban_in_Europe.svg) Anti-mask laws in Europe as of 2025: National ban – country bans wearing full-face veils in public Local ban – cities or regions ban full-face veils Partial ban – government bans full-face veils in some locations #### Austria \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=9 "Edit section: Austria")\] In Austria since 2002, masking ban on demonstrations under § 9 of the Assembly Law (Versammlungsgesetz). Violation of the ban need not be prosecuted if the mask does not threaten public order and security. Violation of the ban entails, according to § 19a.b of the Law, imprisonment up to six months, repeated offenses one year or a fine. Parliament approved new legislation on 16 May 2017, which stipulates that people who wear clothing that covers their faces, such as burqas, niqabs, full face helmets or scarves (motorcyclists) etc. in places like universities, public transportation or courthouses will face fines of 150 euros (about \$167). The measure took effect in October 2017.[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Bilefsky-18)[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Noack-19) Shortly after the enactment on 1 October 2017, there were some incidents in which people were incorrectly fined by the police, leading some commentators to point out flaws in the law, or incorrect understanding of it amongst the police.[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Noack-19) #### Belgium \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=10 "Edit section: Belgium")\] A Belgian law adopted in June 2011 prohibits appearing in public "with a face masked or hidden, in whole or in part, in such a way as to be unidentifiable". Violations can result in fines and up to seven days in jail. On 11 July 2017 the ban in Belgium was upheld by the [European Court of Human Rights](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Court_of_Human_Rights "European Court of Human Rights") (ECHR) after having been challenged by two Muslim women who claimed their rights had been infringed.[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Belgium17-20) #### Denmark \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=11 "Edit section: Denmark")\] Wearing masks or other objects that cover the face in a way where identification is prevented during assemblies in a public place is illegal in Denmark.[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Maskeringsforbud-22)[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Reuters,_1_August_2018-23) The [Danish Penal Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danish_Penal_Code "Danish Penal Code") § 134 b, effective from 3 June 2000, makes the violation punishable by a fine or up to six months imprisonment. Part 2 of § 134 b further criminalizes the possession of effects which must be viewed as intended to be used for masking in an assembly. The §134 b, part 3, exempts from penalty masking which is done to protect one's face against the weather or worn for another worthy purpose.[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Maskeringsforbud-22) The ban does not apply in the autonomous territories of [Greenland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenland "Greenland") or the [Faroe Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faroe_Islands "Faroe Islands").[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Maskeringsforbud-22) #### France \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=12 "Edit section: France")\] Main article: [French ban on face covering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_ban_on_face_covering "French ban on face covering") The French ban on face covering is an act of parliament passed by the Senate of France on 14 September 2010, resulting in the ban on the wearing of face-covering headgear, including masks, helmets, balaclava, niqābs and other veils covering the face in public places, except under specified circumstances. #### Germany \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=13 "Edit section: Germany")\] Since 1985, according to § 17a Abs. 2 Versammlungsgesetz it is prohibited to disguise one's identity in public meetings such as demonstrations so as to prevent identification by police. This violation can be fined with imprisonment up to one year.[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Dejure-25) #### Italy \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=14 "Edit section: Italy")\] In Italy, a law issued in 1975 strictly forbids wearing of any attire that could hide the face of a person. Penalties (fines and imprisonment) are provided for such behaviour. The original purpose of the anti-mask law was to prevent crime or terrorism. The law allows for exemptions for a "justified cause", which has sometimes been interpreted by courts as including religious reasons for wearing a veil, but others –including local governments– disagree and claim religion is not a "justified cause" in this context.[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-BBCItaly-26) #### Latvia \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=15 "Edit section: Latvia")\] In Latvia, a law issued in 2016 to ban niqab and burqa in entire country was passed by Latvian parliament.[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Islamic_face_veil_to_be_banned_in_Latvia-30) #### Netherlands \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=16 "Edit section: Netherlands")\] In the Netherlands, a first attempt towards a partial prohibition on face covering was made from 2012 to 2015, but the bill was struck down. A new attempt was made in the years after when a new bill was submitted on 27 November 2015. Eventually a limited anti-mask law was passed on 26 June 2018. The law is called *Instelling van een gedeeltelijk verbod op het dragen van gezichtsbedekkende kleding in het onderwijs, het openbaar vervoer, overheidsgebouwen en de zorg (Wet gedeeltelijk verbod gezichtsbedekkende kleding)* ("Introduction of a partial ban on the wearing of face-covering clothing in education, public transport, governmental buildings and healthcare (Partial Face-Covering Clothing Ban Act)"). It is illegal to wear clothing which covers the entire face, or covered up to the point where only the eyes are uncovered, or renders the face unrecognisable, on public transport and in buildings and associated yards of educational institutions, governmental institutions and healthcare institutions. Frequently cited examples are a [full face helmet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_helmet "Motorcycle helmet"), a [balaclava](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balaclava_\(clothing\) "Balaclava (clothing)"), a [burqa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burqa "Burqa") or a [niqāb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niq%C4%81b "Niqāb"). Clothes exempt from the Act are: - those worn by clients, patients or their visitors in residential parts of healthcare institutions; - those necessary for the protection of the body in relation to health or security; - those necessary in relation to the requirements made to the performance of a profession or sport. On 26 June 2018, the bill was passed in the [Dutch Senate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senate_\(Netherlands\) "Senate (Netherlands)").[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Nu.nl-28)[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-34)[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Rijksoverheid-27) #### Norway \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=17 "Edit section: Norway")\] Concealment of faces in public is legal in Norway, except when taking part in a public event. Exempted from the prohibition of concealment in public events are participants in theatre, masquerade or similar. In accordance with the Norwegian police law, violation is punishable by a fine or up to three months imprisonment.[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Lovdata-31) #### Russia \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=18 "Edit section: Russia")\] According to a Russian federal law "On assemblies, meetings, demonstrations, marches and picketing", Article 6 as of June 2012:[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-35)[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-36)[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-37) - it is prohibited to wear masks and "any other means of hiding identity during public events; - the organizer of an event must require all the people taking part not to use any means of hiding identity. The punishment for the violation of the given law was introduced in July 2014 and is provided by the [federal code on administrative offences](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_of_the_Russian_Federation_on_Administrative_Offenses "Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offenses").[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-38)[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-39) #### Spain \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=19 "Edit section: Spain")\] According to the November 2013 *[Citizens' Security Law](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Citizens%27_Security_Law&action=edit&redlink=1 "Citizens' Security Law (page does not exist)")* (*[Ley mordaza](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ley_mordaza&action=edit&redlink=1 "Ley mordaza (page does not exist)") \[[es](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ley_mordaza "es:Ley mordaza")\]*), demonstration protesters who cover their faces may be fined up to [€](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E2%82%AC "€")30,000.[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-mordaza-32) #### Sweden \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=20 "Edit section: Sweden")\] According to the 2005 'Law on the Prohibition of masking in some cases', it is prohibited for participants in the demonstration to fully or partially cover the face in a way that complicates identification. This prohibition applies only if there are disturbances of public order at demonstrations, or if there is an immediate danger of such disturbances. The ban does not apply to the covering of the face for religious reasons. It also does not apply to the extent participants are authorized (under 2 Ch. 7 a § Order Act) to fully or partially cover the face.[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Lagen-33) #### Switzerland \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=21 "Edit section: Switzerland")\] In the cantons of Basel-Stadt (1990), Zurich (1995), Bern (1999), Lucerne (2004), Thurgau (2004), Solothurn (2006) and St. Gallen (2009), there are laws banning use of masks [\[1\]](https://www.ipcc.gov.hk/doc/tc/report/thematic_report/research/university/International%20Norms%EF%BC%9AGoverning%20Police%20Identification%20&%20the%20Wearing%20of%20Masks%20During%20Protest.pdf) .\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] In a referendum on 7 March 2021, Swiss voters approved a nationwide ban on face concealment, with over 51% of the electorate supporting it.[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-40) #### Ukraine \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=22 "Edit section: Ukraine")\] Main article: [Anti-protest laws in Ukraine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-protest_laws_in_Ukraine "Anti-protest laws in Ukraine") Several days after [Berkut](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berkut_\(Ukraine\) "Berkut (Ukraine)") riot police clashed with [Euromaidan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euromaidan "Euromaidan") protesters, [Verkhovna Rada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verkhovna_Rada "Verkhovna Rada") enacted law 721-VII banning wearing masks, helmets or camouflage clothing by people taking part in a gathering, assembly, demonstration, protest, rally or other mass event. Fines for violating are monetary up to about \$400 or administrative arrest up to 15 days.[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-41) The law was repealed in January 2014.[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-42)[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-43)[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-44) #### United Kingdom \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=23 "Edit section: United Kingdom")\] For a century, covering or blacking one's face was a criminal act that could lead to the death penalty; the 1723 [Black Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Act_1723 "Black Act 1723") was repealed in 1823. ### Asia-Pacific \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=24 "Edit section: Asia-Pacific")\] See also: [Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic § China and Asia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Face_masks_during_the_COVID-19_pandemic#China_and_Asia "Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic") #### Australia \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=25 "Edit section: Australia")\] It is legal to wear a mask in public in [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia "Australia"). Motorcycle riders wearing full face helmets are generally required to remove them when entering a bank. A judge in [New South Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_South_Wales "New South Wales") has ruled that a woman cannot give evidence in a [niqāb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niq%C4%81b "Niqāb").[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-45) A Victorian judge extended the ban to wearing a niqāb in the public gallery.[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-46) - In [Victoria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_\(Australia\) "Victoria (Australia)"), The participants of a violence disorder to cover their face in order to conceal the participant's identity or to protect the participant from the effects of a crowd-controlling substance will result in a higher imprisoned period from 10 years to 15 years.[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-47) - [New South Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_South_Wales "New South Wales") police can require a motorist to remove head coverings, including masks, for identification purposes.[\[48\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-48) #### Hong Kong \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=26 "Edit section: Hong Kong")\] Main article: [Prohibition on Face Covering Regulation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prohibition_on_Face_Covering_Regulation "Prohibition on Face Covering Regulation") [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/28/2019-09-29_%E5%85%A8%E7%90%83%E5%8F%8D%E6%A5%B5%E6%AC%8A%E5%A4%A7%E9%81%8A%E8%A1%8C_Anti-totalitarianism_rally_%28Hong_Kong%29_020.jpg/250px-2019-09-29_%E5%85%A8%E7%90%83%E5%8F%8D%E6%A5%B5%E6%AC%8A%E5%A4%A7%E9%81%8A%E8%A1%8C_Anti-totalitarianism_rally_%28Hong_Kong%29_020.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2019-09-29_%E5%85%A8%E7%90%83%E5%8F%8D%E6%A5%B5%E6%AC%8A%E5%A4%A7%E9%81%8A%E8%A1%8C_Anti-totalitarianism_rally_\(Hong_Kong\)_020.jpg) On 4 October 2019, the HKSAR Government invoked the Emergency Regulations Ordinance to implement an anti-mask law in response to the ongoing protest. On 4 October 2019, the [Government of Hong Kong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_of_Hong_Kong "Government of Hong Kong") invoked the rarely used colonial-era [Emergency Regulations Ordinance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_Regulations_Ordinance "Emergency Regulations Ordinance") to implement the [Prohibition on Face Covering Regulation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prohibition_on_Face_Covering_Regulation "Prohibition on Face Covering Regulation") (PFCR), an anti-mask law[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-49) in response to the [ongoing protest that year](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_Hong_Kong_protests "2019–20 Hong Kong protests"). The law bans protesters from covering their faces whether in full or partially during protests, including at rallies given a "Letter of No Objection" under the [Public Order Ordinance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_Order_Ordinance "Public Order Ordinance").[\[50\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-50) Anyone who wears a [mask](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mask "Mask") at a lawful rally or march, unlawful or unauthorised assembly, or during a riot could be sentenced to up to a year in jail and a fine of HK\$25,000. Exemptions include those at protests wearing masks for professional or paid work, or for religious or medical reasons. In addition, the law states that anyone who disobeys a police order to remove a mask could be sentenced to six months in jail and a HK\$10,000 fine. [Paint](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Face_painting "Face painting") is also included in the definition of "face-covering". The legislation went into effect from midnight on 5 October until further notice, and the Hong Kong High Court refused to rule out an interim injunction order but the court will later decide whether to allow a judicial review into the invocation of the Emergency Regulations Ordinance.[\[51\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-51)[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-52) In response to the government's implementation of the law, netizens widely shared a speech by [Edward Leung](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Leung "Edward Leung") in a televised debate during the [2016 Legco election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Hong_Kong_legislative_election "2016 Hong Kong legislative election"), "A few years ago, Ukraine passed an anti-mask law. Do you know what happened in Ukraine? A revolution started in Ukraine. You want to do it? Do it, we will fight till the end."[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-53) ##### Judicial review \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=27 "Edit section: Judicial review")\] On 18 November 2019, the [High Court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Court_\(Hong_Kong\) "High Court (Hong Kong)") ruled s3(1)(b), (c), (d) and s5 of the PFCR failed the [proportionality test](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proportionality_\(law\) "Proportionality (law)") as they placed restrictions on fundamental rights beyond intended goals. The judgement levelled criticism at various aspects including: the lack of a declared [state of emergency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_of_emergency "State of emergency") to justify invoking the ERO, the law applies to both unlawful and lawful gatherings, the lack of a mechanism to distinguish the two, and the unwarranted breadth of the 'stop and unmask' power granted to police. The court also ruled that the ERO sections empowering the Chief-Executive-in Council to make laws "on any occasion of public danger" is incompatible with multiple articles of the [Hong Kong Basic Law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_Basic_Law "Hong Kong Basic Law"), however, constitutional status is open to question. The court also held the ordinance meets the "prescribed by law" requirement.[\[54\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-54) In response, the government said that it would stop enforcing the ban for the time being.[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-55)[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-56)[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-57) A spokesman from the Chinese legislative affairs commission, however, stated that "Whether the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region comply with the Basic Law of Hong Kong can only be judged and decided by the standing committee of the [National People's Congress](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_People%27s_Congress "National People's Congress")".[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-58) On 22 November 2019, the High Court made the following remark: *"Nevertheless, we recognise that our Judgment is only a judgment at first instance, and will soon be subject to an appeal to the Court of Appeal. In view of the great public importance of the issues raised in this case, and the highly exceptional circumstances that Hong Kong is currently facing, we consider it right that we should grant a short interim suspension order so that the respondents may have an opportunity to apply to the Court of Appeal, if so advised, for such interim relief as may be appropriate. Accordingly, we shall grant an interim temporary suspension order to postpone the coming into operation of the declarations of invalidity for a period of 7 days up to the end of 29 November 2019, with liberty to apply."*[\[59\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-59)[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-60) On 26 November 2019, the High Court announced hearing for the government appeal against the judgement is on 9 January 2020.[\[61\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-61) On 27 November 2019, the Court of Appeal extended the interim suspension of the judgment until 10 December 2019.[\[62\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-62)[\[63\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-63) On 10 December 2019, the Court of Appeal refused to suspend the "unconstitutional" ruling by the Court of First Instance on the anti-mask regulation. A full hearing was scheduled to commence on 9 January 2020.[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-64)[\[65\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-65)[\[66\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-66) On 21 December 2020, it was ruled by the Court of Final Appeal that the prohibition on the use of face coverings was constitutional.[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-67) ## See also \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=28 "Edit section: See also")\] - [Surveillance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surveillance "Surveillance") - [Niqāb § Enforcement, encouragement and bans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niq%C4%81b#Enforcement,_encouragement_and_bans "Niqāb") - [Zentai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zentai "Zentai") - [Islamophobia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamophobia "Islamophobia") - [Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Face_masks_during_the_COVID-19_pandemic "Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic") - [First Amendment Encyclopedia](https://www.mtsu.edu/first-amendment/article/1169/anti-mask-laws) ## References \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=29 "Edit section: References")\] 1. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-anapsid_1-0)** ["CND: State Codes Related To Wearing Masks"](https://www.anapsid.org/cnd/mcs/maskcodes.html). *www.anapsid.org*. 2. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-2)** ["UNMASKING THE KLAN"](https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/intelligence-report/1999/unmasking-klan). *Southern Poverty Law Center*. 1999-09-15. 3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-3)** ["New York Penal Law – PEN § 240.35 \| FindLaw"](http://codes.findlaw.com/ny/penal-law/pen-sect-240-35.html). *Findlaw*. Retrieved 2017-01-30. 4. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-4)** ["Occupy's Halloween Party Might Break D.C.'s Anti-Mask Law"](https://dcist.com/story/12/10/05/occupys-halloween-party-might-break/). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141018035022/http://dcist.com/2012/10/occupys_halloween_party_might_break.php) from the original on October 18, 2014. 5. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-5)** Coscarelli, Joe (September 20, 2011). ["Old Anti-Mask Law Foils Wall Street Protestors"](http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2011/09/old_anti-mask_law_foiling_wall.html). *Daily Intelligencer*. Retrieved 2018-07-13. 6. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-6)** ["With a 'Hi-Oh, Silver!' ACLU Challenges Michigan Anti-Mask Law on Behalf of "Lone Ranger" Protesters"](https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/hi-oh-silver-aclu-challenges-michigan-anti-mask-law-behalf-lone-ranger-protesters). *American Civil Liberties Union*. 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Retrieved 2014-02-16. 45. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-45)** ["Woman cannot give evidence in a niqab, Australian court rules"](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/dec/01/woman-cannot-give-evidence-in-a-niqab-australian-court-rules). *[TheGuardian.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TheGuardian.com "TheGuardian.com")*. December 2016. 46. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-46)** ["Victorian judge bans niqab in court's public gallery"](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jul/18/victorian-judge-bans-niqab-in-courts-public-gallery). *[TheGuardian.com](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TheGuardian.com "TheGuardian.com")*. 18 July 2018. 47. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-47)** ["Crimes Act 1958"](https://content.legislation.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-12/58-6231aa304-authorised.pdf) (PDF). *Victorian Legislation*. The State Government of Victoria. Retrieved 14 March 2024. 48. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-48)** Corderoy, Amy. ["Police given broad powers to remove facial coverings"](http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/police-given-broad-powers-to-remove-facial-coverings-20110704-1gzer.html). *The Sydney Morning Herald*. Retrieved 2017-01-23. 49. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-49)** [Prohibition on Face Covering Regulation](https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap241k), elegislation.gov.hk 50. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-50)** ["Hong Kong officially enacts emergency laws to ban masks at protests as NGOs criticise 'draconian' measure"](https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/10/04/breaking-hong-kong-officially-enacts-emergency-laws-ban-masks-protests-ngos-criticise-draconian-measure/). Hong Kong Free Press. 4 October 2019. Retrieved 4 October 2019. 51. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-51)** ["Hong Kong protest march descends into violence"](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-49949548). *BBC News*. 6 October 2019. 52. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-52)** ["High Court again refuses injunction over mask ban"](https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1484562-20191006.htm?spTabChangeable=0). *RTHK*. Retrieved 2019-10-08. 53. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-53)** Cheng, Kris (5 October 2019). ["Crowdfunding campaign for jailed activist Edward Leung's appeal surpasses HK\$350,000 goal within 15 minutes"](https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/10/05/crowdfunding-campaign-jailed-activist-edward-leungs-appeal-surpasses-hk350000-goal-within-15-minutes/). *Hong Kong Free Press HKFP*. Retrieved 22 November 2019. 54. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-54)** ["KWOK WING HANG AND OTHERS v. CHIEF EXECUTIVE IN COUNCIL AND ANOTHER \[2019\] HKCFI 2820; HCAL 2945/2019 (18 November 2019)"](https://www.hklii.hk/eng/hk/cases/hkcfi/2019/2820.html). *www.hklii.hk*. Retrieved 2019-11-20. 55. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-55)** [Hong Kong's High Court rules anti-mask law unconstitutional](https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/11/18/breaking-hong-kongs-high-court-rules-anti-mask-law-unconstitutional/), [HKFP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_Free_Press "Hong Kong Free Press"), 18 Nov 2019 56. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-56)** [People free to wear masks again: govt](https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1492996-20191118.htm), [RTHK](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RTHK "RTHK"), 18 Nov 2019 57. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-57)** [Ban on masks must follow legal process](https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3038295/ban-masks-must-follow-legal-process), SCMP, 18 Nov 2019 58. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-58)** ["Hong Kong courts have no power to rule on face mask ban, says China"](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/19/hong-kong-courts-cant-rule-on-face-masks-says-china-constitution-basic-law). *The Guardian*. 19 November 2019. Retrieved 22 November 2019. 59. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-59)** ["KWOK WING HANG AND OTHERS v. CHIEF EXECUTIVE IN COUNCIL AND ANOTHER \[2019\] HKCFI 2820; HCAL 2945/2019 (22 November 2019) para 38"](https://legalref.judiciary.hk/lrs/common/ju/ju_frame.jsp?DIS=125575&currpage=T). *legalref.judiciary.hk*. Retrieved 2019-11-23. 60. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-60)** ["KWOK WING HANG AND OTHERS v. CHIEF EXECUTIVE IN COUNCIL AND ANOTHER \[2019\] HKCFI 2884; HCAL 2945/2019 (22 November 2019)"](https://www.hklii.hk/cgi-bin/sinodisp/eng/hk/cases/hkcfi/2019/2884.html). *www.hklii.hk*. Retrieved 2019-11-27. 61. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-61)** Standard, The. ["Anti-mask ruling appeal set for January"](http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news.php?id=137669&story_id=137669&d_str=20191126&sid=4). *The Standard*. Retrieved 2019-11-26. 62. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-62)** ["Court extends anti-mask law suspension, say pan-dems - RTHK"](https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1494828-20191127.htm). *news.rthk.hk*. Retrieved 2019-11-27. 63. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-63)** ["Ruling that Hong Kong mask ban is invalid suspended until December 10"](https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3039657/hong-kong-government-gets-more-time-prepare-case). *South China Morning Post*. 2019-11-27. Retrieved 2019-11-28. 64. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-64)** ["Hong Kong court lifts mask ban, refusing government request to suspend earlier ruling"](https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3041440/hong-kong-mask-ban-court-refuses-government-request). *South China Morning Post*. 2019-12-10. Retrieved 2019-12-10. 65. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-65)** ["Court deals govt blow over mask ban ruling - RTHK"](https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1496937-20191210.htm). *news.rthk.hk*. Retrieved 2019-12-10. 66. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-66)** Standard, The. ["Court of Appeal rejects mask ban ruling suspension"](http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news.php?id=138269&sid=4). *The Standard*. Retrieved 2019-12-10. 67. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-67)** ["Hong Kong mask ban constitutional for all public meetings, court rules"](https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3114741/hong-kong-mask-ban-constitutional-all-public-meetings-and). *South China Morning Post*. 2020-12-21. 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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia **Anti-mask** or **anti-masking laws** are legislative or penal initiatives prohibiting the concealment of one's face in public. Anti-mask laws vary widely between jurisdictions in their intent, scope, and penalties. ## Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic \[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anti-mask_law&action=edit&section=1 "Edit section: Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic")\] During the [COVID-19 pandemic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_pandemic "COVID-19 pandemic"), jurisdictions with pre-existing anti-mask laws exempted their [mandates on face coverings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Face_masks_during_the_COVID-19_pandemic "Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic") from such laws, at least in practice. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0b/Burka_ban_world_map.svg/500px-Burka_ban_world_map.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Burka_ban_world_map.svg) Countries with anti-mask bans as of 2025: Ban in public places Full or partial ban in some localities Ban on sale and manufacturing Ban in some public buildings or in the public workplace There are anti-mask laws in many U.S. states and the [District of Columbia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/District_of_Columbia "District of Columbia").[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-anapsid-1) - Many anti-mask laws date back to the mid-20th century, when states and municipalities passed them to stop the violent activities of the [Ku Klux Klan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ku_Klux_Klan "Ku Klux Klan"), whose members typically wore [hoods](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ku_Klux_Klan_hood "Ku Klux Klan hood") of white linen to conceal their identities.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-2)[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-3) - In the 21st century those laws have been applied to political protesters such as those affiliated with the [Occupy Movement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupy_Movement "Occupy Movement") or [Anonymous](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anonymous_\(group\) "Anonymous (group)") – wearing [Guy Fawkes masks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes_mask "Guy Fawkes mask").[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-4)[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-5)[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-6)[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-7) These laws have been challenged on the grounds that they violate the guarantees of the [First Amendment to the United States Constitution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution "First Amendment to the United States Constitution") to free speech and free association. Some courts have weighed freedom of speech against the public safety interest, and upheld such laws. For example, the [Georgia Supreme Court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_Georgia_\(U.S._state\) "Supreme Court of Georgia (U.S. state)") found the law constitutional on the grounds that the wearing of the mask was an act of intimidation and a threat of violence, which is not protected speech.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-nyt-8) That law has exceptions for holiday celebrations, theatre performances, and occupational safety; the ruling makes it unclear if someone is violating the law if they wear a mask without the intent to threaten violence. A three-judge panel of the [United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Court_of_Appeals_for_the_Second_Circuit "United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit") upheld a New York law on the ground that wearing a Ku Klux Klan mask did not convey a protected message beyond that conveyed by wearing a hood and robe.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-cnn-9) Other courts have struck down anti-mask laws. For example, Tennessee and Florida state laws have been invalidated on the grounds that they were unconstitutionally broad.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-nyt-8) An ordinance in [Goshen, Indiana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goshen,_Indiana "Goshen, Indiana"), was struck down based on First Amendment doctrine that [specifically protects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution#Anonymous_speech "First Amendment to the United States Constitution") anonymous speech and anonymous association, especially for unpopular groups like the KKK.[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-cnn-9) The book *[Privacy on the Margins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Privacy_at_the_Margins "Privacy at the Margins")* discusses how the use of masks can be a performative act of speech and thus protected by the first amendment.[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-10) In September 2025, California passed a law that prohibits local and federal [law enforcement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_enforcement "Law enforcement") from wearing face masks while conducting operations.[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-11) The law was passed as a response to the use of face masks by [Immigrations and Customs Enforcement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigrations_and_Customs_Enforcement "Immigrations and Customs Enforcement") (ICE) during enforcement operations.[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-12) New York State's anti-mask law was enacted in 1845, to provide for public safety after disputes between [landlords and tenants](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Rent_War "Anti-Rent War").[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-cnn-9) Since 2024, a number of counties in the state have implemented or considered reintroducing the pre-COVID anti-mask law. Nassau County implemented its current anti-mask law in August 2024 although there are exception for health and religious reasons.[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-13)[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-14) - After several high-profile protests, the [Canadian Parliament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Parliament "Canadian Parliament") introduced [Bill C-309](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_C-309 "Bill C-309"), which bans the wearing of masks during a riot or other [unlawful assembly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unlawful_assembly "Unlawful assembly").[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-15)[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-16) The bill became law on June 19, 2013.[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-17) - Canada's [Criminal Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_Code_\(Canada\) "Criminal Code (Canada)"), Section 351(2), also covers "Disguise with Intent", whereby "Every one who, with intent to commit an [indictable offence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indictable_offence "Indictable offence"), has his face masked or coloured or is otherwise disguised is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years". With some exceptions, an indictable offence in Canada is one that is subject to a fine of greater than \$5,000 or imprisonment of more than six months. - In 2017 a [Quebec ban on face covering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_ban_on_face_covering "Quebec ban on face covering") for transition and government services became publicized. The present table provides a non-exhaustive overview comparing legal restrictions of face coverings in European states. The 2010 [French ban on face covering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_ban_on_face_covering "French ban on face covering") is widely regarded as the most strict, prohibiting face coverings in almost all situations in public places, as opposed to limited restrictions in countries such as Denmark that only outlaws such practices in the context of public assemblies such as demonstrations. | State | Since | Limitations (examples) | Situations | Exceptions | Notes | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | [Austria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austria "Austria") | 2002, 2017 | Burqas, niqabs, [motorcycle full face helmets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_helmet#Full_face "Motorcycle helmet") or face-covering scarves[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Bilefsky-18)[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Noack-19) | Demonstrations, universities, public transportation or courthouses[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Bilefsky-18) | Face covering for doing one's job[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Noack-19) | | | [Belgium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgium "Belgium") | 2011 | Burqas, niqabs and other masks[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Belgium17-20) | In public (unspecified)[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Belgium17-20) | | Upheld by the [ECtHR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Court_of_Human_Rights "European Court of Human Rights") in 2017[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Belgium17-20) | | [Bulgaria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgaria "Bulgaria") | 2016 | Burqas, niqabs or other face-covering veils[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Krasimirov-21) | Government offices, schools, cultural institutions and places of public recreation[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Krasimirov-21) | Exceptions are allowed for health or professional reasons[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Krasimirov-21) | National ban was preceded by local bans in Bulgarian towns[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Krasimirov-21) | | [Denmark](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denmark "Denmark") | 2000 | Hoods, masks, painting or objects that cover one's face and are worn in a way where it prevents identification[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Maskeringsforbud-22) | Public assemblies[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Reuters,_1_August_2018-23) | Masking to protect one's face against the weather or worn for another worthy purpose[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Maskeringsforbud-22) | Does not apply in [Greenland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenland "Greenland") or the [Faroe Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faroe_Islands "Faroe Islands")[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Maskeringsforbud-22) | | [France](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France "France") | [2010](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_ban_on_face_covering "French ban on face covering") | Burqas, niqābs, motorcycle full face helmets, balaclavas, hoods and other face-covering veils[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Willsher-24) | Public places[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Willsher-24) | Full face helmets worn on motorcycles[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Willsher-24) | Upheld by the [ECtHR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Court_of_Human_Rights "European Court of Human Rights") in 2014[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Willsher-24) | | [Germany](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany "Germany") | 1985 | Items suitable and intended to prevent identification[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Dejure-25) | Open-air public assemblies or other open-air public events or on the way there[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Dejure-25) | Competent authorities may provide exemptions if there is no threat to public safety or public order[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Dejure-25) | | | [Italy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy "Italy") | 1975 | Any mask or clothing that obstructs identification[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-BBCItaly-26) | In public (unspecified)[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-BBCItaly-26) | Exceptions are allowed for a "justified cause"[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-BBCItaly-26) | There are disagreements whether one's religion is a "justified cause"[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-BBCItaly-26) | | [Netherlands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands "Netherlands") | 2019 | Burqas, niqabs, motorcycle full face helmets, balaclavas[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Rijksoverheid-27)[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Nu.nl-28) | Public transport, in buildings and associated yards of educational, governmental and healthcare institutions[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Rijksoverheid-27) | Face covering for doing one's job or sport, for health or security, in healthcare residences[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Rijksoverheid-27) | In force since 1 August 2019[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-29) | | [Latvia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latvia "Latvia") | 2016? | Hoods, masks, burqas, niqabs or objects to cover one's face | Public places[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Islamic_face_veil_to_be_banned_in_Latvia-30)\[*[needs update](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Dates_and_numbers#Chronological_items "Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers")*\] | | Islamic face veil to be banned in Latvia\[*[needs update](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Dates_and_numbers#Chronological_items "Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers")*\] | | [Norway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway "Norway") | 1995 | Masks (unspecified)[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Lovdata-31) | Public events such as demonstrations, marches, meetings, stands or similar[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Lovdata-31) | | | | [Spain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain "Spain") | 2013 | Face-coverings (unspecified)[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-mordaza-32) | Public demonstrations[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-mordaza-32) | | | | [Sweden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweden "Sweden") | 2005 | Face-coverings (unspecified) that complicate identification[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Lagen-33) | Public demonstrations where public order is or may be disturbed[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Lagen-33) | Does not apply to religion-motivated face-coverings, or when demonstrators are authorised to cover their faces[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Lagen-33) | | | [Switzerland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland "Switzerland") | 2021 | Burqas, niqabs or other face-covering veils | | Masks worn for medical reasons | | [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/14/Full-face_veils_ban_in_Europe.svg/500px-Full-face_veils_ban_in_Europe.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Full-face_veils_ban_in_Europe.svg) Anti-mask laws in Europe as of 2025: National ban – country bans wearing full-face veils in public Local ban – cities or regions ban full-face veils Partial ban – government bans full-face veils in some locations In Austria since 2002, masking ban on demonstrations under § 9 of the Assembly Law (Versammlungsgesetz). Violation of the ban need not be prosecuted if the mask does not threaten public order and security. Violation of the ban entails, according to § 19a.b of the Law, imprisonment up to six months, repeated offenses one year or a fine. Parliament approved new legislation on 16 May 2017, which stipulates that people who wear clothing that covers their faces, such as burqas, niqabs, full face helmets or scarves (motorcyclists) etc. in places like universities, public transportation or courthouses will face fines of 150 euros (about \$167). The measure took effect in October 2017.[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Bilefsky-18)[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Noack-19) Shortly after the enactment on 1 October 2017, there were some incidents in which people were incorrectly fined by the police, leading some commentators to point out flaws in the law, or incorrect understanding of it amongst the police.[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Noack-19) A Belgian law adopted in June 2011 prohibits appearing in public "with a face masked or hidden, in whole or in part, in such a way as to be unidentifiable". Violations can result in fines and up to seven days in jail. On 11 July 2017 the ban in Belgium was upheld by the [European Court of Human Rights](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Court_of_Human_Rights "European Court of Human Rights") (ECHR) after having been challenged by two Muslim women who claimed their rights had been infringed.[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Belgium17-20) Wearing masks or other objects that cover the face in a way where identification is prevented during assemblies in a public place is illegal in Denmark.[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Maskeringsforbud-22)[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Reuters,_1_August_2018-23) The [Danish Penal Code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danish_Penal_Code "Danish Penal Code") § 134 b, effective from 3 June 2000, makes the violation punishable by a fine or up to six months imprisonment. Part 2 of § 134 b further criminalizes the possession of effects which must be viewed as intended to be used for masking in an assembly. The §134 b, part 3, exempts from penalty masking which is done to protect one's face against the weather or worn for another worthy purpose.[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Maskeringsforbud-22) The ban does not apply in the autonomous territories of [Greenland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenland "Greenland") or the [Faroe Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faroe_Islands "Faroe Islands").[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Maskeringsforbud-22) The French ban on face covering is an act of parliament passed by the Senate of France on 14 September 2010, resulting in the ban on the wearing of face-covering headgear, including masks, helmets, balaclava, niqābs and other veils covering the face in public places, except under specified circumstances. Since 1985, according to § 17a Abs. 2 Versammlungsgesetz it is prohibited to disguise one's identity in public meetings such as demonstrations so as to prevent identification by police. This violation can be fined with imprisonment up to one year.[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Dejure-25) In Italy, a law issued in 1975 strictly forbids wearing of any attire that could hide the face of a person. Penalties (fines and imprisonment) are provided for such behaviour. The original purpose of the anti-mask law was to prevent crime or terrorism. The law allows for exemptions for a "justified cause", which has sometimes been interpreted by courts as including religious reasons for wearing a veil, but others –including local governments– disagree and claim religion is not a "justified cause" in this context.[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-BBCItaly-26) In Latvia, a law issued in 2016 to ban niqab and burqa in entire country was passed by Latvian parliament.[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Islamic_face_veil_to_be_banned_in_Latvia-30) In the Netherlands, a first attempt towards a partial prohibition on face covering was made from 2012 to 2015, but the bill was struck down. A new attempt was made in the years after when a new bill was submitted on 27 November 2015. Eventually a limited anti-mask law was passed on 26 June 2018. The law is called *Instelling van een gedeeltelijk verbod op het dragen van gezichtsbedekkende kleding in het onderwijs, het openbaar vervoer, overheidsgebouwen en de zorg (Wet gedeeltelijk verbod gezichtsbedekkende kleding)* ("Introduction of a partial ban on the wearing of face-covering clothing in education, public transport, governmental buildings and healthcare (Partial Face-Covering Clothing Ban Act)"). It is illegal to wear clothing which covers the entire face, or covered up to the point where only the eyes are uncovered, or renders the face unrecognisable, on public transport and in buildings and associated yards of educational institutions, governmental institutions and healthcare institutions. Frequently cited examples are a [full face helmet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_helmet "Motorcycle helmet"), a [balaclava](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balaclava_\(clothing\) "Balaclava (clothing)"), a [burqa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burqa "Burqa") or a [niqāb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niq%C4%81b "Niqāb"). Clothes exempt from the Act are: - those worn by clients, patients or their visitors in residential parts of healthcare institutions; - those necessary for the protection of the body in relation to health or security; - those necessary in relation to the requirements made to the performance of a profession or sport. On 26 June 2018, the bill was passed in the [Dutch Senate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senate_\(Netherlands\) "Senate (Netherlands)").[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Nu.nl-28)[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-34)[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Rijksoverheid-27) Concealment of faces in public is legal in Norway, except when taking part in a public event. Exempted from the prohibition of concealment in public events are participants in theatre, masquerade or similar. In accordance with the Norwegian police law, violation is punishable by a fine or up to three months imprisonment.[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Lovdata-31) According to a Russian federal law "On assemblies, meetings, demonstrations, marches and picketing", Article 6 as of June 2012:[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-35)[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-36)[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-37) - it is prohibited to wear masks and "any other means of hiding identity during public events; - the organizer of an event must require all the people taking part not to use any means of hiding identity. The punishment for the violation of the given law was introduced in July 2014 and is provided by the [federal code on administrative offences](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_of_the_Russian_Federation_on_Administrative_Offenses "Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offenses").[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-38)[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-39) According to the November 2013 *[Citizens' Security Law](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Citizens%27_Security_Law&action=edit&redlink=1 "Citizens' Security Law (page does not exist)")* (*[Ley mordaza](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ley_mordaza&action=edit&redlink=1 "Ley mordaza (page does not exist)") \[[es](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ley_mordaza "es:Ley mordaza")\]*), demonstration protesters who cover their faces may be fined up to [€](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E2%82%AC "€")30,000.[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-mordaza-32) According to the 2005 'Law on the Prohibition of masking in some cases', it is prohibited for participants in the demonstration to fully or partially cover the face in a way that complicates identification. This prohibition applies only if there are disturbances of public order at demonstrations, or if there is an immediate danger of such disturbances. The ban does not apply to the covering of the face for religious reasons. It also does not apply to the extent participants are authorized (under 2 Ch. 7 a § Order Act) to fully or partially cover the face.[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-Lagen-33) In the cantons of Basel-Stadt (1990), Zurich (1995), Bern (1999), Lucerne (2004), Thurgau (2004), Solothurn (2006) and St. Gallen (2009), there are laws banning use of masks [\[1\]](https://www.ipcc.gov.hk/doc/tc/report/thematic_report/research/university/International%20Norms%EF%BC%9AGoverning%20Police%20Identification%20&%20the%20Wearing%20of%20Masks%20During%20Protest.pdf) .\[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")*\] In a referendum on 7 March 2021, Swiss voters approved a nationwide ban on face concealment, with over 51% of the electorate supporting it.[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-40) Several days after [Berkut](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berkut_\(Ukraine\) "Berkut (Ukraine)") riot police clashed with [Euromaidan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euromaidan "Euromaidan") protesters, [Verkhovna Rada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verkhovna_Rada "Verkhovna Rada") enacted law 721-VII banning wearing masks, helmets or camouflage clothing by people taking part in a gathering, assembly, demonstration, protest, rally or other mass event. Fines for violating are monetary up to about \$400 or administrative arrest up to 15 days.[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-41) The law was repealed in January 2014.[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-42)[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-43)[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-44) For a century, covering or blacking one's face was a criminal act that could lead to the death penalty; the 1723 [Black Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Act_1723 "Black Act 1723") was repealed in 1823. It is legal to wear a mask in public in [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia "Australia"). Motorcycle riders wearing full face helmets are generally required to remove them when entering a bank. A judge in [New South Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_South_Wales "New South Wales") has ruled that a woman cannot give evidence in a [niqāb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niq%C4%81b "Niqāb").[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-45) A Victorian judge extended the ban to wearing a niqāb in the public gallery.[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-46) - In [Victoria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_\(Australia\) "Victoria (Australia)"), The participants of a violence disorder to cover their face in order to conceal the participant's identity or to protect the participant from the effects of a crowd-controlling substance will result in a higher imprisoned period from 10 years to 15 years.[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-47) - [New South Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_South_Wales "New South Wales") police can require a motorist to remove head coverings, including masks, for identification purposes.[\[48\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-48) [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/28/2019-09-29_%E5%85%A8%E7%90%83%E5%8F%8D%E6%A5%B5%E6%AC%8A%E5%A4%A7%E9%81%8A%E8%A1%8C_Anti-totalitarianism_rally_%28Hong_Kong%29_020.jpg/250px-2019-09-29_%E5%85%A8%E7%90%83%E5%8F%8D%E6%A5%B5%E6%AC%8A%E5%A4%A7%E9%81%8A%E8%A1%8C_Anti-totalitarianism_rally_%28Hong_Kong%29_020.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2019-09-29_%E5%85%A8%E7%90%83%E5%8F%8D%E6%A5%B5%E6%AC%8A%E5%A4%A7%E9%81%8A%E8%A1%8C_Anti-totalitarianism_rally_\(Hong_Kong\)_020.jpg) On 4 October 2019, the HKSAR Government invoked the Emergency Regulations Ordinance to implement an anti-mask law in response to the ongoing protest. On 4 October 2019, the [Government of Hong Kong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_of_Hong_Kong "Government of Hong Kong") invoked the rarely used colonial-era [Emergency Regulations Ordinance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_Regulations_Ordinance "Emergency Regulations Ordinance") to implement the [Prohibition on Face Covering Regulation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prohibition_on_Face_Covering_Regulation "Prohibition on Face Covering Regulation") (PFCR), an anti-mask law[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-49) in response to the [ongoing protest that year](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_Hong_Kong_protests "2019–20 Hong Kong protests"). The law bans protesters from covering their faces whether in full or partially during protests, including at rallies given a "Letter of No Objection" under the [Public Order Ordinance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_Order_Ordinance "Public Order Ordinance").[\[50\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-50) Anyone who wears a [mask](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mask "Mask") at a lawful rally or march, unlawful or unauthorised assembly, or during a riot could be sentenced to up to a year in jail and a fine of HK\$25,000. Exemptions include those at protests wearing masks for professional or paid work, or for religious or medical reasons. In addition, the law states that anyone who disobeys a police order to remove a mask could be sentenced to six months in jail and a HK\$10,000 fine. [Paint](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Face_painting "Face painting") is also included in the definition of "face-covering". The legislation went into effect from midnight on 5 October until further notice, and the Hong Kong High Court refused to rule out an interim injunction order but the court will later decide whether to allow a judicial review into the invocation of the Emergency Regulations Ordinance.[\[51\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-51)[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-52) In response to the government's implementation of the law, netizens widely shared a speech by [Edward Leung](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Leung "Edward Leung") in a televised debate during the [2016 Legco election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Hong_Kong_legislative_election "2016 Hong Kong legislative election"), "A few years ago, Ukraine passed an anti-mask law. Do you know what happened in Ukraine? A revolution started in Ukraine. You want to do it? Do it, we will fight till the end."[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-53) On 18 November 2019, the [High Court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Court_\(Hong_Kong\) "High Court (Hong Kong)") ruled s3(1)(b), (c), (d) and s5 of the PFCR failed the [proportionality test](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proportionality_\(law\) "Proportionality (law)") as they placed restrictions on fundamental rights beyond intended goals. The judgement levelled criticism at various aspects including: the lack of a declared [state of emergency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_of_emergency "State of emergency") to justify invoking the ERO, the law applies to both unlawful and lawful gatherings, the lack of a mechanism to distinguish the two, and the unwarranted breadth of the 'stop and unmask' power granted to police. The court also ruled that the ERO sections empowering the Chief-Executive-in Council to make laws "on any occasion of public danger" is incompatible with multiple articles of the [Hong Kong Basic Law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_Basic_Law "Hong Kong Basic Law"), however, constitutional status is open to question. The court also held the ordinance meets the "prescribed by law" requirement.[\[54\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-54) In response, the government said that it would stop enforcing the ban for the time being.[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-55)[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-56)[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-57) A spokesman from the Chinese legislative affairs commission, however, stated that "Whether the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region comply with the Basic Law of Hong Kong can only be judged and decided by the standing committee of the [National People's Congress](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_People%27s_Congress "National People's Congress")".[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-58) On 22 November 2019, the High Court made the following remark: *"Nevertheless, we recognise that our Judgment is only a judgment at first instance, and will soon be subject to an appeal to the Court of Appeal. In view of the great public importance of the issues raised in this case, and the highly exceptional circumstances that Hong Kong is currently facing, we consider it right that we should grant a short interim suspension order so that the respondents may have an opportunity to apply to the Court of Appeal, if so advised, for such interim relief as may be appropriate. Accordingly, we shall grant an interim temporary suspension order to postpone the coming into operation of the declarations of invalidity for a period of 7 days up to the end of 29 November 2019, with liberty to apply."*[\[59\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-59)[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-60) On 26 November 2019, the High Court announced hearing for the government appeal against the judgement is on 9 January 2020.[\[61\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-61) On 27 November 2019, the Court of Appeal extended the interim suspension of the judgment until 10 December 2019.[\[62\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-62)[\[63\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-63) On 10 December 2019, the Court of Appeal refused to suspend the "unconstitutional" ruling by the Court of First Instance on the anti-mask regulation. A full hearing was scheduled to commence on 9 January 2020.[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-64)[\[65\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-65)[\[66\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-66) On 21 December 2020, it was ruled by the Court of Final Appeal that the prohibition on the use of face coverings was constitutional.[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_note-67) - [Surveillance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surveillance "Surveillance") - [Niqāb § Enforcement, encouragement and bans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niq%C4%81b#Enforcement,_encouragement_and_bans "Niqāb") - [Zentai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zentai "Zentai") - [Islamophobia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamophobia "Islamophobia") - [Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Face_masks_during_the_COVID-19_pandemic "Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic") - [First Amendment Encyclopedia](https://www.mtsu.edu/first-amendment/article/1169/anti-mask-laws) 1. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-anapsid_1-0)** ["CND: State Codes Related To Wearing Masks"](https://www.anapsid.org/cnd/mcs/maskcodes.html). *www.anapsid.org*. 2. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-2)** ["UNMASKING THE KLAN"](https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/intelligence-report/1999/unmasking-klan). *Southern Poverty Law Center*. 1999-09-15. 3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-3)** ["New York Penal Law – PEN § 240.35 \| FindLaw"](http://codes.findlaw.com/ny/penal-law/pen-sect-240-35.html). *Findlaw*. Retrieved 2017-01-30. 4. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-4)** ["Occupy's Halloween Party Might Break D.C.'s Anti-Mask Law"](https://dcist.com/story/12/10/05/occupys-halloween-party-might-break/). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141018035022/http://dcist.com/2012/10/occupys_halloween_party_might_break.php) from the original on October 18, 2014. 5. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-5)** Coscarelli, Joe (September 20, 2011). ["Old Anti-Mask Law Foils Wall Street Protestors"](http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2011/09/old_anti-mask_law_foiling_wall.html). *Daily Intelligencer*. Retrieved 2018-07-13. 6. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-6)** ["With a 'Hi-Oh, Silver!' ACLU Challenges Michigan Anti-Mask Law on Behalf of "Lone Ranger" Protesters"](https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/hi-oh-silver-aclu-challenges-michigan-anti-mask-law-behalf-lone-ranger-protesters). *American Civil Liberties Union*. Retrieved 2023-01-18. 7. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-7)** Simoni, Stephen J. (1992). [""Who Goes There?" -- Proposing a Model Anti-Mask Act"](https://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/flr/vol61/iss1/16). *Fordham Law Review*. **61** (1). 8. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-nyt_8-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-nyt_8-1) Applebome, Peter (1990-12-06). ["Georgia Supreme Court Reinstates Ban on Wearing of Klan Masks"](https://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/06/us/georgia-supreme-court-reinstates-ban-on-wearing-of-klan-masks.html). *The New York Times*. Retrieved 2018-07-13. 9. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-cnn_9-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-cnn_9-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-cnn_9-2) Drew, Kevin (Jan 23, 2004). ["Justice not so clear-cut over laws directed at Klan"](https://web.archive.org/web/20180714051027/http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/01/23/antimask.ruling/). Archived from [the original](http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/01/23/antimask.ruling) on 2018-07-14. Retrieved 2018-07-13. 10. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-10)** Skinner-Thompson, Scott (2021). *Privacy at the margins*. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-107-18137-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-107-18137-3 "Special:BookSources/978-1-107-18137-3") . 11. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mask_law#cite_ref-11)** ["California bans most law enforcement officers from wearing masks during operations"](https://abc7.com/post/california-bans-most-law-enforcement-officers-wearing-masks-during-operations/17856254/). *ABC7 Los Angeles*. 2025-09-20. 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