Legislators in Nassau County approved a bill that makes it illegal for anyone to conceal their identity in public by donning a mask or other face covering.
Twelve Republicans voted in favor of the contentious Mask Transparency Act, while seven Democrats abstained. The vote was divided along party lines.
Bruce Blakeman, the executive of Nassau County, is now anticipated to sign the bill after voicing his support for it.
The Mask Transparency Act has a $1,000 fine and a one-year jail sentence.
In response to antisemitic incidents that authorities claimed were frequently perpetrated by people wearing masks, the Mask Transparency Act was introduced.
The ban imposes a $1,000 fine or a maximum of one year in jail as a misdemeanor for wearing a mask.
Advocates assert that the law will assist in preventing crimes committed during protests and that it will only target offenders—those who cover their faces out of respect for their health or religion, for example.
The American Civil Liberties Union and Democratic leaders, among others, attacked the law as dangerous and faulty because it permits police to stop and question anyone wearing a mask in public, even if no crime is being committed.
Though their plan was not included in Monday night’s agenda, Democratic lawmakers attempted to amend the bill by introducing emergency legislation.
Nassau County residents split over mask ban
Similar to county lawmakers, residents seem split on the contentious bill.
“To be honest, if you’re not feeling well, I believe you should put on your mask. I find it a little unfair. But store owners would rather you remove your mask,” local Nancy Wellbrock said.
“Police officers are not stupid; they possess a high IQ. so they’ll know what’s appropriate and inappropriate,” another resident remarked.
“The outbreak has ended. Why do you still cover up with a mask? You have to be concealing something,” Nassau County employee Ernel Dixon remarked. “So it’s unfortunate, but has to be done.”
Similar bills that sought to outlaw masks at protests and on the subway have previously received support from New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
