Source: Newsday LLC / Getty
Politicians in Nassau County, Long Island, approved a sweeping ban on face masks, sparking heavy debate and concern.
On Monday (August 5), the Republican-controlled Nassau County Legislature passed the Mask Transparency Act, which was introduced to combat “antisemitic incidents, often perpetrated by those in masks” since the attack on Israel by Hamas last October. The bill, which passed by a 12-0 vote with all seven Democrats in the Legislature abstaining, makes wearing a mask a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $1,000 and up to one year in jail. The ban allows for health and religious exemptions, and it applies to anyone over the age of 16. The bill is set to be signed into law by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. It comes as New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul are weighing bans on masks in public places.
The Mask Transparency Act was introduced by Republican politician Mazi Melesa Pilip, who cited the pro-Palestinian protests against the war in Gaza where demonstrators wore face coverings. “I have been to CUNY, Columbia, local high schools, community meetings, rallies in Great Neck,” she said. “I have heard the people speak loudly and clearly. They want this done.” Congressman Anthony D’Esposito seconded the sentiment at the Monday meeting, saying: “It is vital that these protesters remove the masks, come out of the darkness and are shown in light, which I believe will deter them from committing violence.”
Democratic politicians and civil libertarians blasted the ban. “Nassau County’s mask ban is a dangerous misuse of the law to score political points and target protestors,” wrote Nassau County Regional Director of the New York Civil Liberties Union in a statement, which ended with: The ban’s so-called health and religious exceptions are entirely inadequate: “Nassau County police officers are not health professionals or religious experts capable of deciding who needs a mask and who doesn’t.”
Criminalizing masks forces those with disabilities or medical conditions, as well as their families and loved ones, to have to decide whether to segregate themselves from public life or endanger their health and even lives.
Our statement: pic.twitter.com/iTPUwLi8zj
— NYCLU (@NYCLU) August 6, 2024
That sentiment was expressed by those opposed during the meeting of the legislature on Monday, where protesters verbally clashed with legislators. One unidentified woman was escorted out and arrested by Nassau County police. “You have chosen to participate in a culture war without recognizing that you are feeding right into a very dangerous demon,” said Kiana Abbady, who then had her microphone cut off and was escorted out.