Regarding Nassau County's Anti-Mask Mandate
Hi everyone! with the new anti-mask mandate, I want it to be known that this could become a potential issue in our future meets in Long Island.
In case you didn't know, Nassau County made a "anti-mask" mandate this August. The new ban makes it a crime for anyone to wear a mask or face covering to hide their identity, except for health or religious reasons. Violating the new law is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. As such, fursuits are subject to the same restriction, putting both us and the business in scrutiny.
While private spaces (i.e. areas we rent out while bowling, private airbnbs/rooms, and event spaces) are not subject to this rule, Round 1 is considered to be a public space. For the time being, I would like to ask everyone to mask in spaces that would surround you with people. Photoshoots, brief moments, the bowling space, and food court allow fursuiting. If you choose to suit around the arcade games, we would like to ask you to suit away from people to prevent any future conflict. Please understand that Round 1 has always welcomed us. We do not want to hurt the reputation of the business by leaving customers unsatisfied. It does not matter if customers are in the right or wrong, this is their business. We want to stay on good terms with the employees and managers, so please be mindful when they do ask you to stop suiting. They won't ever kick you out because they know you're a good customer, they are just protecting themselves. Please do not hold anything against the employees or managers for just following the rules.
In any case, I would strictly encourage those in ties with local officials to take a stand against this mandate. This rule doesn't just affect furries—it has broader implications for people in various communities. It unfairly targets individuals who wear masks for religious reasons, and can put immunocompromised individuals at risk by discouraging mask use for health purposes. While the exceptions exist, the vagueness of the law leaves room for misinterpretation and selective enforcement, which leads to unnecessary conflicts. We need to make it clear that laws like these create more harm than good by stigmatizing communities and limiting personal freedom. There is already a federal lawsuit taking place against this law, so we may have hope for the future.
We are doing whatever it takes to make sure it doesn't tap into the safety of attendees.
With that said, let’s keep our events welcoming and peaceful, and let’s also do our part in being good customers to Round 1 : )
gamboiuwu
