MODESTO, Calif. (AP) - The central California city of Modesto has banned firearms, glass bottles, baseball bats and other items that can be used as weapons at rallies and protests.

The Modesto City Council approved the ordinance Tuesday that also prohibits participants wear masks or anything that hides their face.

City spokesman Thomas Reeves says the ordinance initially included banning firearms but that language was taken out because state law already regulates them.

The ordinance comes as the National Straight Pride Coalition tries to organize a rally in Modesto that would celebrate traditional gender roles, Christianity, heterosexuality and the contributions of whites to Western Civilization.

Opponents say the rally would promote hatred of LGBTQ people and minorities.

Sign up for Daily Newsletters Manage Newsletters

Copyright © 2020 The Washington Times, LLC.