Nassau County bans masks in public. Here's what happens if you're caught with one
NEW YORK - Nassau County legislators voted to ban masks in public during a Monday night meeting.
Lawmakers voted along party lines to ban the masks, with 12 votes in agreement and seven abstaining.
The move makes wearing a mask in public a misdemeanor, which opponents of the bill say infringes on 1st Amendment rights.
The bill was introduced by Nassau County Legislator Mazi Pilip in response to individuals hiding their identities.
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County lawmakers went head-to-head in a heated debate on Monday.
Republicans claim the law is for those who intend to cause harm.
Many say that the law is a complete violation.
"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," County Executive Bruce Blakeman said in a statement.
Phillip says the policy is meant for those who intend to cause harm, leaving it up to police discretion.
"Jewish people being attacked by face-covered protesters--I'm calling them terrorist supporters, to be honest," Pilip told FOX 5 in June.
What happens if you wear a mask in public?
Phillip says recent attacks against the Jewish community have been done by individuals wearing a mask, looking to conceal their identity.
The new law would ban facial coverings on public property for people over 16.
The law also proposes that anyone caught with a mask could face up to a year in jail as well as a $1,000 fine.