Nassau County Republicans approved a sweeping ban on the public use of face coverings after a raucous debate on Monday. They claimed the measure would combat crimes committed during protests.
Presiding Officer Howard Kopel said the Mask Transparency Act was introduced in response to “antisemitic incidents, often perpetrated by those in masks” since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Progressives called the measure part of a “culture war” that targets demonstrators supporting Palestine in the ongoing war.
The bill, passed by a vote of 12-0 with all seven Democrats in the Legislature abstaining, creates a misdemeanor offense punishable with a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail. It makes exceptions for religious and health reasons, but broadly bars groups from wearing masks in public, regardless of criminal activity.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said he plans to sign the bill.
“Unless someone has a medical condition or a religious imperative, people should not be allowed to cover their face in a manner that hides their identity when in public,” he said in a statement.
Nassau Legislator Mazi Pilip of Great Neck proposed the bill, saying she was tired of people being harassed and intimidated.
“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.”
Democrats and civil libertarians in Nassau said the bill will be impractical to enforce, unable to withstand legal challenges and likely to lead to profiling and unjustified stops.
“This puts the police of this county in a very dangerous, difficult position,” Democrat Legislator Arnold Drucker said during the debate Monday. “They’re now going to be asked to confront people in the effort to enforce this law.”
Democratic legislators introduced their own emergency legislation earlier in the day that they said “enhances penalties against criminals who use face coverings in…
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