Coronavirus US Update: Georgia Waives Anti-Ku Klux Klan Mask Law Amid Pandemic

The state of Georgia suspended its Ku Klux Klan-related anti-mask law amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The suspension was enforced so that citizens can comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) guidelines regarding face masks.

Under Georgia's anti-mask law, a person was guilty of misdemeanor if he wore a mask, hood or any device that can conceal the wearer's identity, whether in a public place or a private place where the owner or occupier of the property does not give written consent. Exceptions were made for holiday costumes, sports, theatrical productions or gas masks during emergencies drills or exercises.

On Monday, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed an executive order suspending the anti-mask law so that people in the state can protect themselves from COVID-19 and comply with CDC guidelines. At a press conference, Kemp said he signed the executive order so that people can follow the guidelines "without fear of prosecution."

The 1951 law was originally passed in the state to combat the Ku Klux Klan, but because of the coronavirus pandemic, state officials were concerned it could have negative consequences, particularly for people of color.

Last week, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms ordered the police to suspend the enforcement of the anti-mask law after they reportedly followed two black men around a store then escorted them out simply because they were wearing surgical face masks.

Both Bottoms and state Sen. Nikema Williams (D-Ga.) urged Kemp to take action over fears of racial profiling by police, especially for people of color who were wearing homemade face masks as per the CDC’s guidelines.

"People are using whatever they have at home, bandannas, scarves, to put across their faces. I don't want that to be misconstrued," Williams said, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. "I don't want anyone to put their health and safety on the line from wearing a mask because they don't want to be profiled in a grocery store or they're picking up medicine at a pharmacy."

As of April 15, the Georgia Department of Public Health has recorded 15,260 confirmed coronavirus cases and 576 deaths.