The legislation criminalizes wearing face coverings in public, with exemptions for religious and health reasons or for the peaceful celebration of holidays and cultural events where masks are traditionally worn. Violators face penalties of up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. The bill was approved this week along party lines, with all 12 Republican legislators voting in favor and all seven Democrats abstaining. Lawmakers argue the law aims to prevent protesters accused of antisemitism from concealing their identities. "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," said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. A representative from the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) criticized the mask ban as an infringement on free speech. “Masks protect people who express political opinions that are unpopular. Making anonymous protest illegal chills political action and is ripe for selective enforcement, leading to doxxing, surveillance, and retaliation against protesters,” said Susan Gottehrer, Nassau County Regional Director of the NYCLU. “Concerns that masks disguise criminal activity must not be answered by banning anonymous protest,” she added. “Police should respond to a person’s actions, not their attire.” Local Jewish residents also voiced strong objections to the legislation being passed in their name. "We are particularly horrified that such bans could be enacted in the name of 'combating antisemitism,'" said an organization called Jews for Mask Rights in an open letter about the Nassau mask ban. "Mask bans are a direct violation of Jewish values as well as being ableist, infringing upon First Amendment rights, and putting all New Yorkers in danger." The group reported facing harassment and intimidation when attending a hearing on the proposed ban. “A mask ban claiming to protect Jews from antisemitic acts would only place them in greater danger,” the group wrote in the letter. “Antisemitism is a real threat, but legislating masks will not protect Jews,” they added. “Banning masks will not address the underlying ideologies that fuel antisemitic sentiments and behaviors. If anything, it may further exacerbate these sentiments.”Lawmakers in Nassau County, New York have passed a bill to ban masks in public places, specifically targeting pro-Palestinian protestors who oppose U.S. support for Israel’s war in Gaza.
