A federal lawsuit challenging a ban on wearing masks in public in Nassau County, New York, except for health and religious reasons was dismissed by a judge on Wednesday. The class action lawsuit, filed by Disability Rights New York on behalf of two individuals with disabilities, contested the Mask Transparency Act (MTA) in the county. The law, known as the MTA, prohibits individuals from wearing masks in public to conceal their identity, with violators facing potential misdemeanor charges of up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
The lawsuit argued that the ban was unconstitutional and discriminatory against people with disabilities. The plaintiffs, who wear medical-grade face masks due to health conditions, expressed concerns about potential harassment and arrest under the new mandate. However, U.S. District Judge Joan Azrack ruled that the plaintiffs did not demonstrate legal standing to sue since the law includes exemptions for individuals wearing masks for health reasons.
Judge Azrack noted that the plaintiffs wear masks for self-protection against illnesses, which falls under the health and safety exception of the MTA. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican who enacted the law in August, expressed relief over the dismissal of the lawsuit, stating that it would have jeopardized the safety of Nassau County residents.
Disability Rights New York, the organization behind the legal challenge, was not immediately available for comment following the court’s decision. Despite the dismissal of the lawsuit, the debate around mask mandates and their implications for public safety and individual rights continues to be a contentious issue. The ruling highlights the complexities surrounding public health measures and the balancing of interests between personal freedoms and community well-being.
