The Mask Transparency Act, signed by Republican County Executive Bruce Blakeman, criminalizes the use of face coverings to conceal one’s identity in public spaces. Violators could face penalties of up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. The legislation, which passed along party lines, has drawn sharp criticism for its apparent targeting of pro-Palestinian protesters opposing U.S. support for Israel’s ongoing actions in Gaza. Exemptions to the law are in place for those wearing face coverings for religious or health reasons, or for peaceful celebrations of holidays and cultural events where masks are traditionally worn. The bill was supported by all 12 Republican lawmakers in the county legislature, while the seven Democratic lawmakers abstained from voting. Proponents of the law argue that it aims to prevent protesters accused of antisemitism from concealing their identities. “Jay Jacobs is the head of the Democrat Party in New York State. Has he ever called for AOC, Omar or Talib to be thrown out of the Democrat Party? They are all virulent anti-Semites! He might actually have some credibility on the issue of anti-Semitism if he did,” Blakeman said in a recent post on X. “Otherwise, his lecturing me on anti-Semitism rings hollow. Jacob's Democrat Party is a hot bed for Jew Hate, pro-criminal policies and anti-Americanism!” he added. American Jewish activist Shabbos Kestenbaum, who spoke at an event marking the bill’s signing, said in a post on X, “Americans are facing a crisis of accountability. Be it college campuses, the subways of New York, or the streets of LA, masked thugs have been terrorizing minority groups with impunity.”Long Island's Nassau County in New York has enacted a controversial new law banning the wearing of face coverings in public.
Americans are facing a crisis of accountability. Be it college campuses, the subways of New York, or the streets of LA, masked thugs have been terrorizing minority groups with impunity. I was proud to speak at the signing of America’s first new mask ban legislation! #UnmaskHate pic.twitter.com/N0RYi8swlV After the bill’s passage, the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) blasted Blakeman and Republicans for enacting the legislation. “Once again Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has chosen to chase a culture war over protecting the rights and well-being of his own residents,” said NYCLU Regional Director Susan Gottehrer. “We’ll say it again: masks protect people who express political opinions that are controversial. Officials should be supporting New Yorkers’ right to voice their views, not fueling widespread doxxing and threatening arrests,” she added. “Nassau County’s officials should be safeguarding rights and liberties, not scoring political points at the expense of New Yorkers.”
— Shabbos Kestenbaum (@ShabbosK) August 14, 2024
