Nassau County legislators voted along party lines Monday night to approve a controversial bill that makes it illegal to wear a mask in public to hide one’s identity. Masks will still be allowed for health reasons, as well as religious and celebratory purposes.

All 12 Republicans voted in favor of the “Mask Transparency Act.” The seven Democrats abstained.

Supporters of the bill say it will prevent people from hiding behind a mask to commit crimes and acts of violence. Opponents say it will compromise the safety of residents.

“For health reasons, if I think this is advantageous for me, I think I should be free to use the mask,” said Orset Dias, of East Meadow.

Brian Fedele, of Mineola, said, “I think a lot of people have political views on it, so I could see it happening or like a fear of crime. I could see why they’d want to ban it.”

Police will decide if a mask is being worn for a legitimate purpose. Opponents of the bill say that could lead to discrimination against Black and brown people.

The public hearing was often contentious, and tensions boiled over when a woman was arrested at around 6:30 p.m.

At the meeting, police say while officers were escorting a disorderly attendee, 26-year-old Maria Campanelli, of Centereach, intervened and tried to stop officers from doing their job. While she was being placed into custody, she allegedly caused an officer to trip and fall - injuring his knees and wrist.

Campanelli is charged with second degree assault, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is expected to sign the legislation. Penalties for illegal mask wearing include one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.