In a controversial move, lawmakers in Nassau County have approved a bill that makes it a misdemeanor to wear a mask or any facial covering in public. The ban applies to all public places, including parks, beaches, and businesses.
Nassau County lawmakers have approved a bill that makes it a misdemeanor to wear a mask or any facial covering in public. The ban applies to all public places, including parks, beaches, and businesses.
The bill was passed by a vote of 12-6, with all six Democrats voting against it. Republicans in support of the bill argued that it is necessary to protect public safety and prevent crime.
Nassau County Bans Facial Coverings in Public
"This is about public safety," said Republican Legislator Steven Rhoads. "We have seen an increase in crime in recent years, and we believe that this ban will help to make our communities safer."
Democrats opposed to the bill argued that it is an infringement on personal freedoms and that it will disproportionately impact minorities.
"This is a thinly veiled attempt to target minorities," said Democratic Legislator Kevan Abrahams. "We know that people of color are more likely to be stopped and questioned by police, and this ban will only give the police another reason to harass them."
The bill was signed into law by Nassau County Executive Laura Curran on Monday. It will go into effect in 30 days.
The ban has been met with mixed reactions from the public. Some residents support the ban, saying that it will make their communities safer. Others oppose the ban, saying that it is an infringement on personal freedoms.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a lawsuit challenging the ban. The ACLU argues that the ban violates the First Amendment right to free speech and the Fourteenth Amendment right to equal protection under the law.
The outcome of the lawsuit is uncertain. However, the ban is likely to remain in effect until the lawsuit is resolved.
The ban has been met with mixed reactions from the public. Some residents support the ban, saying that it will make their communities safer. Others oppose the ban, saying that it is an infringement on personal freedoms.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a lawsuit challenging the ban. The ACLU argues that the ban violates the First Amendment right to free speech and the Fourteenth Amendment right to equal protection under the law.
The outcome of the lawsuit is uncertain. However, the ban is likely to remain in effect until the lawsuit is resolved.
