New York county lifts face mask mandate.

Soon, it will be illegal to wear masks in public in one suburban New York county as a way to conceal one's identity.

On Monday, Nassau County lawmakers passed a bill that makes it illegal to wear face masks in public spaces, except for those who do so for health, religious, or cultural reasons. Proponents of the bill, who are mostly Republicans in Long Island's Republican-controlled county, argue that it will prevent violent protesters from concealing their identities.

Republican District 10 legislator Mazi Pilip introduced the bill, stating that lawmakers heard residents' demand for safety in their communities loud and clear, as expressed over the phone to Planet Chronicle Digital on Tuesday.

Yesterday, Nassau County took the lead in implementing a statewide ban, as Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has been discussing a similar ban since May but has not yet taken action.

"Pilip, who ran for Congress in a special election earlier this year but lost to Rep. Tom Suozzi, stated, "I respect the freedom of speech. I believe we should encourage people to come, rally, and express their concerns. Our country's beauty lies in this. However, we will not support those who hide their faces and spread hate speech, encouraging others to do the same. We will not allow that.""

Mask wearing was a common practice during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and was also seen during recent anti-Israel protests. According to legislator Howard Kopel, the measure was introduced due to "antisemitic incidents committed by those wearing masks" since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7th.

Susan Gottehrer, the New York Civil Liberties Union Nassau County regional director, argued in favor of wearing masks during protests.

"Gottehrer stated that masks safeguard individuals who voice unpopular political views, while prohibiting anonymous protests stifles political activity and increases the likelihood of doxxing, surveillance, and retaliation against protesters, as reported by the Associated Press."

The Nassau County Legislature voted along party lines on Monday, with 12 legislators in agreement and seven abstaining, according to FOX 5 New York.

Before the vote, Democratic Legislator Arnold Drucker stated that the bill exceeded its bounds and could potentially harm First Amendment rights.

County Executive Bruce Blakeman disagreed.

According to Blakeman, people should not be allowed to cover their face in a way that hides their identity in public unless they have a medical condition or a religious imperative.

If Blakeman signs the bill, it will make it illegal to wear a mask in public and punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine for anyone who hides their identity with a face covering.

Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder stated that officers would be able to distinguish between criminal, medical, and religious reasons for wearing a mask. In a previous interview with Newsday, he emphasized that arrests for wearing a mask would not be made without first speaking to the individual and determining the purpose.

Numerous individuals for and against the bill filled legislative chambers on Monday. A female was apprehended for causing disturbance, according to PIX 11.

In June, New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed support for banning masks as a way to reduce crime.

Adams stated that he strongly supports the decision to stop wearing masks on the subway, during protests, and in other areas where it's not related to health.

""Covering your face while doing terrible things is not a new concept, as there have been instances of people doing so in the past, such as those who rode around with hoods in the deep south," he stated."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.