The First Amendment Coalition, the Society of Professional Journalists of Northern California, and the Pacific Media Workers NewsGuild-CWA Local 39521 wrote this letter urging the repeal of Modesto City Ordinance 4-23.02.
The ordinance bars anyone from possessing personal protective gear, including masks, bandanas, helmets or protective jackets, at protests or demonstrations. As the letter notes, “These prohibited items…include pieces of gear that journalists often rely on to reduce risk of injury while covering protests.”
The coalition urges the Modesto City Council to repeal or amend the law so it does not criminalize journalists who are just doing their jobs, writing: “When the next protest, rally or other public assembly occurs, local reporters, photographers and other media workers should not be forced to choose between protecting themselves from harm and risking arrest.”