The following is a statment released by the office of Nassau County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman on the county's recent ban on public mask-wearing, except in instances of health or religious concerns:
The New York Post reported that 75 percent of people supported a ban on masks, based on a survey by Mercury Public Affairs. Last year, County Executive Bruce Blakeman signed a first-in-the-nation law banning masks in public spaces, sponsored by Legislator Mazi Pilip.
"Once again, Nassau County was the first in the nation to protect the public from criminals and thugs who target innocent people," said County Executive Blakeman. “By enacting the mask ban, we set the tone for other government entities to stop lifelong criminals and anti-Semites from preying on the public.”
The law was enacted solely by a Republican majority, as all Democratic members refused to support the measure. This legislation includes a provision permitting the use of masks for religious or health-related reasons.