CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A bill in North Carolina would impose stricter penalties for suspects who wear hoods or masks while committing a crime.
Advocates with the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina say the bill is broad and discriminatory, and say it would disproportionately impact people of color. While the bill language does not specify whether hoodie sweaters or jackets constitute “hoods,” the ACLU has criticized that aspect of the proposed legislation.
None of the bill’s nine sponsors, all of whom are Republicans, would respond to requests for comment.
