MINEOLA, NY — Nassau County lawmakers have passed a bill that would make it a crime for someone to wear a mask or face covering in public to conceal their identity.
The vote on the controversial Mask Transparency Act was split along party lines, with 12 Republicans voting in favor and seven Democrats abstaining.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who expressed support for the bill, is expected to sign it.
Mask transparency law leads to higher fine of $1,000 or 1 year in prison
The Mask Transparency Act was introduced in response to anti-Semitic incidents that authorities say often committed by people wearing masks.
The ban makes wearing a face mask a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in prison or a $1,000 fine.
Supporters argue that the measure will help combat crimes committed during protests and that it only applies to those with bad intentions, not to people wearing face coverings for religious or health reasons.
However, opponents, including the American Civil Liberties Union and Democratic leaders, called the law flawed and dangerous because it would allow police to stop and question anyone wearing a mask in public, even if no crime has been committed.
Democratic lawmakers attempted to introduce emergency legislation to amend the bill, but their proposal failed to pass. Monday evening agenda.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams previously expressed support for similar bills who wanted to ban the wearing of face masks at protests and on the metro.
Christina fan
