Moment mask activists are dragged out of county meeting amid mask ban
In the chaotic footage taken on Monday night, authorities could be seen hauling out a defiant female protestor who is wearing a mask and dragging her feet.
Video from New York's Nassau County legislature captured the shocking moment a mask advocate had to be dragged out of the meeting after lawmakers voted to ban masks in public spaces.
The woman seemed to be clutching a poster with a picture of a mask on it. Soon another officer stepped in to help usher the irate mask activist out of the room. In the background, authorities appeared to be escorting out other frustrated protestors, each of whom proudly wore a mask.
Some attendees had their phones out and were recording the tumultuous scene. Authorities arrested a woman around 6:30 pm and charged her with obstructing governmental administration for allegedly causing a disturbance at the meeting.
The turmoil broke out shortly after the Nassau County legislators voted along party lines to pass a polarizing bill that makes it illegal to wear a mask in public to conceal one's identity. According to the new 'Mask Transparency Law,' masks will be permitted for health reasons, in addition to religious and celebratory purposes. Prior to the pandemic, a similar state law had been in place.
To pass the law, all twelve Republicans voted in favor of the piece of legislation, while each of the seven Democrats abstained. Champions of the bill laud it as a means for preventing people from hiding behind masks to perpetrate violence and other crimes.
However, those who are opposed to the bill fear that it could jeopardize the health of locals. Bridget Jones, a Harlem resident who is immuno-compromised, showed up at the legislature to rail against the bill. 'This law endangers my life. This law endangers the lives of many people,' she told News12.
According to the law, police will be wield the power to determine whether or not a mask is being worn in a legal fashion. This piece of the legislation has given rise to fears that the bill could lead to discrimination against black people.
Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County Executive, is expected to sign and pass the legislation. Those who illegally wear masks will face a penalty of up to one year in prison and a $1,000 fine.
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