Yonkers mask ban proposal sparks debate among residents and community leaders
If passed, violators would face fines under the proposal of between $250 to $2,000.
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A proposed mask ban in Yonkers has sparked debate among residents.
The Yonkers City Council is considering legislation to ban masks or hoods that cover or conceal one's face.
If passed, violators would face fines under the proposal of between $250 to $2,000.
But there are exceptions in the proposed legislation including:
Wearing a traditional holiday costume
Wearing a face covering for a religious purpose
Lawfully engaging in trade and employment or in a sporting activity
Using a mask in a theatrical production, including Mardi Gras and masquerade balls
Weather-affected activities
Wearing a gas mask prescribed in emergency management drills
Health reasons
Lawfully engaged in First Amendment activities
"Our police department wants to have a tool to help identify some bad actors that either come to the community and commit crimes and are able to conceal their identities," says City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy. "We're referring to full face coverings. Not N95s or masks that individuals wear for COVID-19."
The proposal is sparking debate among Yonkers residents. Some support it, while others call for more regulation.
"I agree. Get rid of it," says Charles Barnett, a Yonkers resident.
"I don't see a reason to ban it, a strong enough reason for it to be banned," says Jane Brandes, a Yonkers resident.
City Council member Tasha Diaz raised concerns about the language, calling it too vague. She suggests labeling them as "full face masks" and "full hood coverings" to clarify
"When you say any mask, that's a problem because if you're turning towards safety, it should be a full face mask," says Diaz.
The fate of this proposal in Yonkers is still being discussed.
There have also been other regional efforts to do this. Nassau County's Mask Transparency Act went into effect in August and there's a proposed subway mask ban in New York City.
