2 Nassau Residents Sue County, Blakeman Over Mask Ban

MINEOLA, NY — Two Nassau County residents have filed a class action suit regarding the controversial mask ban signed into law earlier this month by County Executive Bruce Blakeman.

According to the court filing on Thursday at U.S. District Court, the complaint alleges the ban violates the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"The Mask Ban discriminates against people with disabilities by depriving them of equal access to public life in Nassau County in violation of the United States Constitution," the lawsuit says.

When the vote passed 12-0 (from the Republican majority) in the County Legislature, Blakeman said: "Unless someone has a medical condition or a religious imperative, people should not be allowed to cover their face in a manner that hides their identity when in public."

One resident involved in the suit has cerebral palsy and asthma and uses a wheelchair for mobility. The other resident, according to the complaint, has common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), kidney disease, post-viral syndrome and respiratory impairments. The resident wears a medical-grade mask outside their home.

Upon the County Legislature voting 12-0 (Republican majority) for the mask ban's passage, Blakeman said: "Unless someone has a medical condition or a religious imperative, people should not be allowed to cover their face in a manner that hides their identity when in public."

Despite the stipulation, the people who filed the suit are concerned.

One resident, according to the complaint, "is afraid of interactions they may have with the police, because they will not remove their facemask if asked due to concerns about their health."

The other person is "terrified" to wear her mask in public places since it was signed into law and "fears harassment and assault from anti-mask people in Nassau County." That second resident "fears being stopped and questioned by police."

Blakeman said in a statement: "We are confident that the law will be upheld as there is a presumption of constitutionality when the legislature acts, and this legislation is reasonable and responsible."