Nassau County lawmakers approve bill to ban masks in public

NASSAU COUNTY, Long Island (WABC) -- Nassau County lawmakers on Monday approved a bill making wearing a mask or any facial covering in public a misdemeanor.

The Republican majority passed the bill with all 12 voting in favor and seven Democrats abstaining.

People who wear masks for health and religious reasons are exempt to the measure, and violators of the law could face up to $1,000 in fines or even jail time.

Lawmaker Mazi Pilip proposed the bill.

"Terrorist supporters around the country and especially in New York are hiding behind the mask and terrorizing the Jewish community," Pilip said.

Democrats say they wanted a version of the bill that more carefully protects individual liberty.

"I see the rise of antisemitism, I see the rise of hate," Seth Koslow said. "And as a Jewish man it concerns me, but I did not see the need to rush this bill through."

In response, the Nassau County Democratic Legislative Minority introduced emergency legislation that specifically targets individuals who use masks to conceal their identity while committing a crime, enhancing the punishment by increasing the offense severity, while at the same time protecting civil liberties of the general public's right to wear masks for legitimate reasons.

"Our bill respects individual freedoms by not imposing blanket prohibitions on wearing masks in public. Law-abiding citizens could wear masks for health, safety, religious, or celebratory purposes without fear," said Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton. "Unlike the broad and punitive Republican bill, our approach avoids unconstitutional overreach and respects personal liberties."

Civil liberties groups also acknowledged the problem with the mask ban is it creates the danger of selective prosecution. They also have concerns at how the ban will be enforced.

The bill is expected to be signed into law by Nassau County Executive Brue Blakeman imminently.

READ MORE: Nassau County lawmakers approve lease for Las Vegas Sands casino

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