The New York State Assembly has approved legislation establishing 50-foot protective buffer zones around houses of worship, schools, and community centers as part of the state budget.
The measure creates misdemeanor penalties for protesters who harass or intimidate individuals within the designated zones. It was advanced through the concerted efforts of Assembly Members Sam Berger, Simcha Eichenstein, Nily Rozic, Aron B. Wieder, Kalman Yeger, and Senator Sam Sutton.
Assembly Member Aron B. Wieder spoke in strong support on the Assembly floor:
“Today I rise in support of the budget bill before us — a budget that reflects our commitment not only to the fiscal priorities of New York, but also to the safety, dignity, and fundamental freedoms of its people,” Wieder said.
He noted the sobering need for the legislation amid rising hate crimes and anti-Semitic incidents: “Who would have thought that in this day and age we have to pass legislation for that? But here we are.”
Wieder emphasized that the buffer zone carefully balances free speech protections with the right of New Yorkers to pray, learn, and gather in peace without fear or intimidation. He described the provision as “thoughtful, measured, and absolutely necessary.”
The Assembly Member thanked Speaker Carl Heastie and his colleagues for their collaborative leadership. He particularly highlighted the sustained partnership with fellow Assembly members and Senator Sam Sutton, whose determination helped turn months of work into concrete protections for communities across the state.
“Budgets are about values,” Wieder stated. “Today, this Assembly is making clear that protecting our communities from intimidation and hate is one of those values. We are standing up for public safety, religious freedom, and basic human decency.”
The legislation responds to repeated incidents of harassment outside religious institutions and schools. With its passage in the Assembly, the measure advances critical safeguards for all faiths while reinforcing New York’s commitment to both public safety and constitutional rights.
גרויליגע דעמאקראטען
Disgusting