(A) Definition. As used in this section the following term means:
"PUBLIC PLACE." All walks, alleys, streets, boulevards, avenues, lanes, roads, highways or other ways or thoroughfares dedicated to public use or owned or maintained by public authority, all grounds and buildings owned, leased or operated for the use of organizations enjoying all tax exempt privileges as a charitable use.
(B) Wearing hoods or masks in a public place. No group of three (3) or more persons shall, while wearing any hood, mask or device whereby a substantial portion of the face is hidden or covered so as to conceal the identity of the wearer, enter, be or appear in any public place within the city.
(C) Exemptions. The following are exempted from the provisions of Subsection (B) of this section:
(1) Any person under sixteen (16) years of age;
(2) Any person lawfully engaged in trades or employment or in a sporting activity where a mask or facial covering is worn for the purpose of ensuring the physical safety and physical protection of the wearer, or because of the nature of the occupation, trade, or professional or sporting activity; and
(3) Any person wearing a gas mask in drills, exercises or emergencies.
(Ord. 2001-12, passed 7-23-01)