Video footage from New York’s Nassau County Legislature captured the shocking moment a mask advocate was dragged out of a meeting after lawmakers voted to ban face masks in public spaces.
Chaotic footage from Monday night showed authorities dragging away a defiant female protester wearing a mask and dragging her feet.
The woman appeared to be holding a poster with a picture of a mask. Another officer soon stepped in to help the angry mask activist out of the room.
In the background, authorities appeared to be leading away other frustrated protesters, all of whom proudly wore masks.
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 face masks in public spaces
To pass the law, all twelve Republicans voted in favor of the bill, while all seven Democrats abstained
Some of those present had their phones with them and filmed the tumultuous scene.
Authorities arrested a woman around 6:30 p.m. and charged her with obstructing government administration for allegedly disrupting order at the rally.
The unrest broke out shortly after Nassau County lawmakers voted along party lines in favor of a polarizing bill that would make it illegal to wear a mask to conceal your identity in public.
According to the new ‘Transparency of Face Masks Act’, face masks are allowed for health reasons, but also for religious and festive purposes.
Before the pandemic, a similar state law already existed.
Authorities arrested a woman at around 6:30 p.m. and charged her with obstructing government administration for allegedly causing a public disturbance during the rally.
Those opposed to the bill fear it could endanger the health of local residents
Supporters of the bill tout it as a means of preventing people from hiding behind masks to commit violence and other crimes.
To pass the bill, all twelve Republicans voted in favor of the legislation, while all seven Democrats abstained.
Supporters of the bill tout it as a way to prevent people from hiding behind masks to commit violence and other crimes.
However, opponents of the bill fear that it could endanger the health of local people.
Bridget Jones, a Harlem resident with a compromised immune system, attended the meeting to protest the bill.
“This law puts my life in danger. This law puts the lives of many people in danger,” she said News12.
Bridget Jones, a Harlem resident with a compromised immune system, came to the legislative session to protest the bill
People who wear a mask illegally face up to a year in prison and a $1,000 fine
By law, police have the authority to determine whether a mask is being legally worn.
This legislation has led to fears that the bill could lead to discrimination against black people.
Nassau County Administrator Bruce Blakeman is expected to sign and approve the legislation.
People who wear a mask illegally face up to a year in prison and a $1,000 fine.