Long Island Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman signed the controversial Mask Transparency Act on August 14, which completely prohibits wearing masks in public places. Supporters believe that the law will combat anti-Semitism and crime, while opponents argue that it infringes on freedom of speech.
Blakeman signed the bill at a ceremony in Mineola on that day. The law stipulates that wearing a mask or face covering in public places to conceal one’s identity will constitute a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum fine of $1,000 or up to one year in prison, or both. Wearing a mask or face covering for health or religious reasons can be legally exempt. The legality of wearing masks will be determined by the police. Blakeman stated that people should not be allowed to wear masks to engage in anti-Semitism or violent crimes.
The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), which previously opposed the ban on transgender athletes participating in women’s sports events, also opposes the Mask Transparency Act, accusing the mask ban of infringing on freedom of speech and not ruling out further legal action. According to ABC News, Susan Gottehrer, director of the NYCLU in Nassau County, stated that masks can protect those who want to express controversial political views, and the government should support people’s right to express different opinions, rather than facilitating doxing or using threat of arrest to suppress marginalized groups.
Lawrence resident Joey Borgen, who supports the law, shared his own experience of being attacked by a group of masked pro-Palestinians three and a half years ago, stating that this law will make it harder for these criminals to hide their identities.
1010Wins radio reported that opponents of the law also criticize the difficulty for police to determine the legality of wearing masks. However, Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder testified at a council meeting earlier this month that the police will be able to distinguish between wearing masks for criminal intent versus health or religious reasons, and will not arrest solely based on someone wearing a mask. The Nassau police are currently undergoing training on implementing the new law.