Wearing a mask in public as a way to hide one’s identity could soon be made illegal in a suburban New York county.
Lawmakers in Nassau County approved a bill Monday that would criminalize the wearing of masks in public, except for people who cover their faces for health reasons or religious or cultural purposes. Supporters of the bill in the Republican-controlled Long Island county said it would prevent violent protesters from hiding their identities.
The bill was introduced by Republican 10th District Assemblyman Mazi Pilip, who told Fox News Digital by phone on Tuesday that when residents expressed their desire to feel safe in their neighborhoods, lawmakers spoke “loud and clear.” ” Their voices were heard.
“Nassau County took the lead yesterday,” Pilip said, referring to Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has been talking about a similar statewide ban since May but has yet to take action.
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A pro-Palestinian demonstrator covers his face during a march in Greenwich Village, New York City, on May 3, 2024. Refusal to be photographed by the media during peaceful demonstrations is common among the new generation of political activists.
“I respect freedom of speech,” Pilip said. “I think we encourage people to come to rallies and express their concerns. That’s the beautiful thing about our country. However, we are absolutely not going to support those [are] Hiding one’s face is basically attacking or spreading hate speech and encouraging others to do the same. We won’t allow this to happen.
Wearing masks became the norm during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but recently they have also been seen during anti-Israel demonstrations. Lawmaker Howard Koppel said the measure was taken in response to “incidents of anti-Semitism often perpetrated by people wearing masks” since the war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7.
Susan Gottehrer, Nassau County regional director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, defended the use of masks during protests.
“Masks protect those who express unpopular political views,” Gottler said in a statement reported by The Associated Press. “Illegal anonymous protest will make political action indifferent and selective.” , leading to doxing, surveillance and retaliation against protesters.”
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Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman speaks during a news conference on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, in Mineola, New York. (AP Photo/Philippe Marcelo, File)
Monday’s vote in the Nassau County Legislature was along party lines, with 12 members in favor and seven abstaining, according to New York’s Fox 5 .
Democratic Congressman Arnold Drucker said before the vote that the bill “goes beyond the pale and could undermine First Amendment rights.”
County Executive Bruce Blackman disagrees.
“Unless someone has a medical condition or a religious belief, people should not be allowed to cover their face in public in a way that conceals their identity,” Blackman said in a statement reported by Fox 5.
Blackman expects that if he signs the bill, wearing a mask in public will be considered a misdemeanor, and anyone who wears a mask in public to hide their identity will be subject to up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
One participant wore a mask as a sign of protest. Youth activists from the Youth Climate Finance Alliance and other youth groups, along with adults from various New York City climate and climate justice groups, held a rally outside JPMorgan Chase’s New York headquarters during the annual shareholder meeting to force the bank to take note of its investor votes Endorse a proposed resolution to stop funding fossil fuel expansion. (Eric McGregor/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Nassau County Police Chief Patrick Ryder said officers will know the difference when determining whether someone is wearing it for criminal, medical or religious purposes. Newsday also previously quoted him as saying: “We’re not going to arrest someone just for wearing a mask. We’re going to go up to that person and talk to them and find out.”
On Monday, the legislative chamber was packed with dozens of public speakers for and against the bill. A woman was arrested for disturbing public order, PIX 11 reported.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams also supports the concept of banning masks, saying in June that he supports using such measures to curb crime.
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“I strongly support the decision to discontinue the wearing of masks on our subway system, at protests, and in other non-health-related areas,” Adams said.
“Wearing a mask is not new, covering your face while you are doing terrible things is not new,” he added. “In the Deep South, there are people who run around wearing bandanas. So, any coward will cover his face.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
