A New York county has implemented the country’s first ban on wearing face coverings in public in an effort to crack down on disguised protesters.
Nassau County, Long Island, signed the law into effect on Wednesday.
Anyone found in violation of the new law will now face a misdemeanor charge punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
The controversial ban, which has exemptions for health and religious reasons, spawns from ‘antisemitic incidents, often perpetrated by those in masks’, Nassau County Legislator Howard Kopel said.
The act is advertised as a public safety measure meant to target those who commit crimes while wearing face coverings and was inspired by the uptick in pro Palestine protests over the last year.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman signed the bill on Wednesday morning during a news conference.
During the conference, Blakeman noted the protests at Columbia University earlier this year where people wearing masks allegedly engaged in antisemitic and violent acts.
The protests were part of many that amassed at universities across America.
Approved by all 12 Republicans on the committee, the bill goes beyond protecting cultural groups. Blakeman said: ‘It will curb crime and address face-covering-wearing criminals who commit robberies and carjackings.’
However, opponents of the legislation argued that it poses a risk for those who want to peacefully protest while concealing their identity.
Democratic Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton said: ‘The law is nothing more than political theater and a blatant waste of taxpayer money.’
‘This law is destined to be struck down in court.
‘It’s deeply disappointing that Blakeman and his Republican colleagues chose to ignore any opportunity for bipartisan compromise or even consider the Democratic bill — a bill that upholds the rule of law, offers a fairer approach for residents, and imposes firmer penalties on actual offenders.’
Susan Gottehrer of the New York Civil Liberties Union joined the opposition: ‘Masks protect people who express political opinions that are controversial.’
However, Blakeman stressed the legislation as a bipartisan effort including Democratic Mayor of New York City in the conversation: ‘Mayor Eric Adams has been very vocal that he’d like the New York City council to pass a similar legislation.
‘This is not an abridgment of anybody’s rights. Nobody has a constitutional right to hide their identity in public.”
The ban will be in effect immediately.