Our New York lawmakers have been hard at work on the state’s budget. And with only a few days left until it’s due, Governor Hochul is trying to force something very strange through – a mask ban.

Let's be clear – a ban on masks threatens us all – our health, our safety, and our right to free expression.

Wearing a mask has always been a way for protestors and demonstrators to protect themselves. With the option of anonymity, we can feel safe expressing our political viewpoints and exercising our civil rights without fear of retaliation.

And we know that BIPOC, undocumented, and LGBTQ+ New Yorkers will bear the brunt of this ban the hardest. Already at greater risk for police brutality, a mask ban places a larger target on the backs of marginalized New Yorkers. This is not public safety.

Not to mention – masks are proven to be essential to our public health. This move by the Governor is a slap in the face to disabled and immunocompromised New Yorkers, and to the rest of us who love and care for them.

Take action: Call your state lawmakers and demand they oppose any ban or restriction on masks in the state budget.

1. Find your State Senator and State Assemblymember here.

2. Give them a call! If you're not sure what to say, here's a script you can use:

"Hello, my name is ____. I am a resident of New York State and I am calling from {Your City/Zip Code}.

I'm calling to urge the {Senator/Assemblymember} to reject any mask ban. A mask ban will do nothing to make us safer – it will give police new reason to unfairly stop Black, Brown, and Muslim people who are already disparately surveilled and policed, push people with disabilities further into the margins, and target protestors.

This issue is important to me because {insert your own reason or choose talking point}. Can you tell me where they stand on including anti-mask legislation in the budget? ….. Thank you for your time.”

3. Log your calls using this form to let us know how they went. Then, share this page with your friends and family in New York to help us drive as many calls to the legislature as possible!