'We Are Exploring Our Options': NYCLU Reacts To County's Mask Ban

MINEOLA, NY — The recently signed mask ban in Nassau County is being scrutinized by the New York Civil Liberties Union.

"We are exploring our options," Susan Gottehrer, the NYCLU's Nassau regional director, told Patch. "We're going to be monitoring implementation."

When County Executive Bruce Blakeman signed the bill into law, it meant people could be arrested for wearing a face covering under some circumstances. Masks are permitted for health purposes or religious reasons.

Gottehrer said there is concern about how this controversial law will impact policing.

"For the last three or four years, there has been data showing that there has been biased policing in certain communities throughout Nassau County," she said.

The county stated the law would go into effect immediately, which is another troubling point for Gottehrer.

"Where are the training materials?" she said. "Have the police had time to train officers on what exactly this means? Faced with the vagueness of the law, how are they even developing those materials?"

An arrest for mask covering could lead to $1,000 and/or up to one-year imprisonment.

The county announced the mask ban was largely tied to pro-Palestinian rallies, where numerous protesters would gather with their faces covered.

"We believe that this is more performative law making by coming out of the Blakeman administration," Gottehrer said.

Watch the full "Patch Weekly Spotlight" interview with Gottehrer below.