Proposed Oklahoma state law outlaws wearing hoodies in public

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It could soon be illegal for folks in Oklahoma to wear clothing that covers their faces, including hooded sweatshirts, a.k.a. "hoodies."

It's already illegal to wear such clothing during the commission of a crime.

But a Republican state senator has introduced an amendment to ban people from hiding their identity in public in general.

That proposal is drawing mixed reactions.

"If somebody is out running, especially in this kind of weather, where it's cold, drizzly, you might be inclined to wear your hoodie while you're at Lake Hefner," says attorney James Siderias.

There are already laws in Oklahoma preventing hoodies during a crime.

"21 OS 13 01 has always made it a crime to wear a hoodie or some sort of disguise during the commission of criminal offense," Siderias says.

Now, a proposal for an amendment to that law could make it illegal to hide your identity in any public place.

The fine for your fashion crime - $500!

"I think this is a violation of an individual's right to chose what they want to wear as long as it doesn't violate the realm of public decency and moral values, and I think that this could be very problematic," Siderias says.

Senator Don Barrigton authored the amendment.

He says they want to help victims of robberies, "Oklahoma businesses want state leaders to be responsive to their safety concerns, and this is one way we can provide protection."

"I think the legislature is just trying to make Oklahoma a little bit safer, and in doing so, I think they just over-reached a little bit," Siderias says.

Hooded sweatshirt owner Tracy Wehagen said, "They might have personal issues for keeping them on, they might have a bad hair day or maybe they have cancer or their losing their hair, you just don't know why."

Another hoodie owner said, "I don't think that solution will work, I just think that will cause a little more tension within the community, it probably will be a reason for cops to mess with more people wearing hoodies."

The amendment does provide exceptions to the rule.

It would not apply to people dressing up for halloween, masquerade parties or parades.

People required to cover their faces because of religious beliefs as well as people who have to cover their faces for safety or medical purposes or for protection from the weather would also be exempt.

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