LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – A mask controversy came face to face with the Louisville Metro Council on Wednesday as the city turns to an old ordinance to stop current crime.

A special Public Safety Committee meeting was the first time people publicly advocated for why masks should be allowed without questions about why someone is wearing them.

“Our community does not need a Band-Aid solution,” a woman whose brother was murdered said during public comment. “We need healing, empowerment and real opportunities to end this cycle of violence.”

Several arguments centered on health concerns, law enforcement logistics and where the city should focus its efforts. This comes as LMPD faces another year plagued by violent crime.

“We cannot sit back and accept the status quo that has become over the last few years,” Chief Paul Humphrey said.

Amendments were proposed to breathe new life into the ordinance, which was drafted in 1983 as a way to prevent Ku Klux Klan members from wearing hoods while marching through the city.

The proposed revisions include exemptions for wearing masks indoors, people under 14 or over 60, and religious face coverings.

It also puts a limit on law enforcement.

“They’re not going to arrest someone just for wearing a mask,” said Vice Mayor David Kaplan. “There will be some other reason why they were detained.”

LMPD says a lack of law enforcement has allowed criminals to hide their identities and believes enforcing the ordinance can reduce crime.

Critics of the ordinance worry about its effectiveness.

“I don’t see how this will affect criminals, because criminals are going to break the law no matter what,” said a woman wearing a mask.

People also addressed the possibility of misuse by law enforcement and the possibility of increased profiling if the ban remained in place.

“Exposing people to discriminatory practices is violence,” said another woman.

Chanelle Helm of Black Lives Matter Louisville believes that keeping the mask ban in place will not lead to change in the community.

“There are other public safety options we can take that involve the entire community,” Helm said. “We still have to see them implemented.”

He said that requires addressing the fundamental issues of crime and inequality.

“We’re addressing what the need really should be and how we should properly implement legislation that meets the needs of everyone, rather than just this small group of people,” Helm said.

City officials said Wednesday’s comments will be considered moving forward.

“I think maybe we need to think about this a little more and determine if this is really the right way to go,” one woman said.

The amendments will need to be finalized and approved by the committee before being voted on by the full council and ultimately signed into law by Mayor Greenberg.

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