Disability Rights Organization Sues to Block Nassau County Mask Ban
A disability rights organization has filed a federal class action lawsuit to block the Nassau County, New York, mask ban that prohibits face coverings in public except for health and religious reasons. The lawsuit argues that the ban is unconstitutional and discriminates against people with disabilities.
The Disability Rights of New York filed the lawsuit on behalf of individuals with disabilities, seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to immediately stop enforcement of the county’s Mask Transparency Act. The bill was passed by the Republican-controlled Nassau County Legislature on August 5 and signed into law on August 14.
The lawsuit lists two plaintiffs with various health conditions who wear medical-grade face masks for protection. They express fear of harassment and potential arrest due to the new mask ban.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman defended the law, stating that it is reasonable and responsible. The law makes it a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine for anyone in Nassau County to wear a face covering to hide their identity in public, with exemptions for health, safety, religious, or cultural purposes.
The ban was implemented in response to antisemitic incidents and anti-Israel demonstrations, with officials citing concerns about protesters using masks for criminal activities such as shoplifting and robbery.
The lawsuit highlights the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities who rely on face masks for health reasons and fear discrimination and harassment as a result of the ban.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
