Marshall Highlights Criminalization of Bulletproof Vests and Masks in Anti-Gang Bill
Senate Majority Leader Samantha Marshall, speaking during the debate on the Anti-Gang Bill today, drew attention to the strict penalties included in the bill for the possession of bulletproof vests, ski-masks, and other items often associated with gang activity.
The bill, which was passed by the Senate, imposes severe consequences on individuals caught with these items when linked to criminal intent.
Marshall noted that possession of bulletproof vests, firearms, ammunition, offensive or prohibited weapons, as well as masks or face coverings like ski masks, will now carry heavy sentences if it is proven that they were intended for use in the commission of a crime.
“A person who uses a bulletproof vest, firearm, ammunition, offensive weapon, prohibited weapon, or ski mask, or other face covering… once it is proven that it was intended to be used, or they know, or ought reasonably to have known that it would be used in the commission of an offense, that person will be liable on conviction for imprisonment for up to 15 years,” Marshall explained.
She went on to express her disbelief over the increasing trend of young people wearing ski masks and hoodies in public, particularly in the face of rising temperatures and climate change.
“I cannot understand for the world of me. We’re living in the heart of one of the hottest parts of this world… and you have young people walking up and down with hoodies, face coverings, masks, ski masks. What for?” Marshall questioned. “It can be nothing else than to conceal your identity or indicate some gang membership.”
The Anti-Gang Bill’s passage marks a significant move towards curbing gang activity by targeting individuals who possess or use items like bulletproof vests and masks with criminal intent, reinforcing the government’s commitment to addressing gang violence and crime.
The bill received support from both sides of the house with senators stressing personal and parental responsibility that goes far beyond legislation.
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If the bill only outlaws these things for the purpose of committing crimes, then I agree. If other folks can use them, as long as it is not for the commission of criminal acts.
Folks like me are highly sensitive to the sun and often wear a ski-mask in Antigua and Barbuda and the US, to avoid that pain I suffer to my skin and eyes. I need a copy of this law to ensure I can still wear these things as long as I am not using them for crimes.
The bullet proof vest I would wear for self protection and for nothing more. Is that outlawed too? Or can it be used for self-defense purposes?
Please make the law clear on this, as i still NEED to wear hoodie, ski-mask and bulletproof vest, even gloves for my highly sensitive hands. Do you know if I clap i have intense pain in my hand from sensitivity? Do you know my nails cannot be clipped because it causes pain to me, so filing of my nails must be done instead.
Do you see I wear transitional glasses, gets darker in the sun and light while out? These are sensitivity issues I had all my life.
When I get out the shower, I must immediately moisturize and oil up or else I get intense pain as if someone is peeling me alive.
It was why I was said to have the softest skin on planet earth and for a man (repeating what was said to me here).
My point is, everything that was mentioned in this bill, has a practical, medical, emergent, and innocent use, what are your exceptions ABLP?
I also know celebrities who wants to wear a face covering. I want to wear something and I do not mind applying for it, if such process is implemented, as long as I do not have to do unreasonable wait like my fire-arm permit and license applications.
A broad band is unconstitutional and fail to appreciate vital facts.
So when the police stops me and I have items such as ski masks and i explain its because I see it on you tube and ticktock and I like the style.
I’m not in any gang or intend to commit any crime so leave me alone. Beyond that, the police have no basis for any ski mask possession arrest.
Easy win in Court
Draconian laws only in cariblack governments!!!
Alleluia!!!!
Criminalized them for wearing their pants below them waist also, criminalize them for not wearing shoes, Criminalize people for their tatto, piercings, It’s like we moving back in this country. I am not against rules but against stupidity. A criminal is not labeled by clothing but the intent to endanger or hurt someone. What is the reason for violence? Is it the clothing? The mindset? Hardship? A feeling of hopelessness?
I agree with the issue of ski masks, but I wholly disagree with banning bullet proof vests. They are for protection. With all of the crimes and trigger happy criminals, why would you outlaw the use of protection for citizens who are already at the mercy of these armed thugs?
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