New York lawmakers approve 50-foot buffer around houses of worship in challenge to Mamdani

New York legislators approved a buffer zone measure as part of the state budget, creating criminal penalties for violations. The law establishes a 50-foot security buffer around houses of worship and educational centers in response to or anticipation of planned protests outside those premises. Violations are classified as a class B misdemeanor when a protester knowingly or intentionally engages in conduct that places the individual in reasonable fear for their safety. Religious worship is defined broadly to include sanctuaries, community centers, and schools used for services, education, and religious observance. Police can also set a perimeter beyond 50 feet when anticipating large protests or clashes.

"The legislation, proposed by Gov. Kathy Hochul and negotiated with the Democratic-led majorities in the state legislature, establishes a 50-foot security buffer around houses or worship and educational centers in response to or anticipation of a planned protest outside its premises. The bill would make it a class B misdemeanor - a low-level criminal offense - when a protester "knowingly or intentionally engages in a course of conduct that places that individual in reasonable fear for their safety.""

"The measure defines a place of religious worship broadly, covering not only sanctuaries but also community centers and schools being used for services, education and religious observance. And it gives police the authority to establish a security perimeter beyond 50 feet, within which demonstrations are not allowed, when anticipating large protests or clashes."

""We've seen demonstrations targeting faith communities outside synagogues, mosques and churches," Hochul told reporters last month. "This is not free expression, this is harassment, and it has no place in the state of New York." The statewide approach contrasts with the New York City law that Mayor Zohran Mamdani allowed to become law without his signature in April."

"The bill goes further than Hochul's original proposal earlier this year, which called for a 25-foot buffer zone around religious institutions statewide. "New Yorkers will be safer because of it," Hochul said in a statement after its passage by the State Assembly. The incumbent Democrat is running for reelection this year and is making a play for Jewish votes."

Read at The Forward