Hochul Touts New 50-Foot Worship Buffer Law At Met Council Breakfast

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul highlighted the state's new 50-foot buffer zone law around houses of worship on Sunday during an appearance at the Met Council breakfast, where she joined Jewish leaders and community members to discuss efforts to combat antisemitism and protect religious institutions.

"Everyone should be able to walk into their place of worship without fear of harassment or intimidation," Hochul said. "Alongside Jewish leaders and community members, today we made that the law in New York."

The law, approved earlier this week as part of New York's state budget package, establishes criminal penalties for certain forms of harassment and intimidation outside houses of worship. Hochul used Sunday's event to present the measure as part of the state's response to rising antisemitic incidents and concerns about demonstrations targeting religious institutions.

"I've had enough of having to put out social media posts condemning the latest symbol of hate being etched on a wall at a synagogue or a yeshiva," Hochul said. "This is how we say enough is enough. We put an end to it right here in the state of New York."

Under the legislation, authorities may establish a 50-foot security buffer around houses of worship and certain educational institutions in response to or anticipation of protests. The measure creates the offense of criminal interference with access to a place of religious worship, a Class B misdemeanor that can carry penalties of up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine.

The law applies broadly to locations used for religious services, prayer, education, instruction and devotional activities. It also gives law enforcement the authority to establish larger security perimeters when anticipating significant demonstrations or potential clashes.

The measure was introduced amid growing concerns from Jewish organizations following repeated protests outside synagogues after October 7. Demonstrations outside institutions including Park East Synagogue in Manhattan and Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills in Queens prompted calls for stronger protections, with supporters arguing that some protests had crossed the line from political expression into intimidation.

The final legislation goes beyond Hochul's original proposal, which called for a 25-foot buffer zone. State lawmakers expanded the protected area to 50 feet during budget negotiations.

The legislation also became part of a broader political dispute between state officials and New York City leaders. Supporters pointed to Mayor Zohran Mamdani's decision to veto a related city measure concerning school safety reporting requirements.

Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein, who represents Brooklyn's Borough Park neighborhood, said state action became necessary after the city's handling of the issue.

"If New York City fails to take the necessary steps to protect vulnerable New Yorkers, the State of New York must act," Eichenstein said.

Jewish organizations welcomed the measure. The UJA-Federation of New York praised Hochul and legislative sponsors for demonstrating "strong leadership in their unwavering effort to help ensure safe access to critical community institutions and safeguard the right to worship free of harassment and intimidation."

Civil liberties advocates have criticized the law and are expected to challenge it in court. The New York Civil Liberties Union argued the restrictions could infringe on free speech rights in public spaces. Hochul has previously said she is prepared to defend the measure against legal challenges.