NEW YORK (VINnews) — NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Friday let legislation related to protests near houses of worship go into effect, while vetoing a separate measure involving educational institutions, drawing renewed attention to tensions over public safety and protest rights.

Last month, the City Council passed two bills related to the constitutional right to protest — one for houses of worship, and one for educational institutions.

Today, I’m letting one bill go into effect, and vetoing the other. I’d like to take a moment to explain why.

As Mayor,… pic.twitter.com/beZq3IKS9C

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) April 24, 2026

Mamdani said Intro. 1-B, tied to houses of worship, was narrowed from earlier versions and now largely requires the New York City Police Department to document existing practices related to demonstrations near religious sites. While he said he disagreed with framing all protests as security threats, he concluded the measure no longer posed the constitutional concerns he had previously raised and allowed it to become law.

But the mayor rejected Intro. 175-B, arguing its broad definition of educational institutions — potentially including universities, museums and teaching hospitals — could infringe on free speech and labor organizing.

In a statement, Mamdani said the veto was driven by concerns the legislation could restrict protests by workers, students and activists, including demonstrations related to immigration, climate and Palestinian rights. He said labor unions and advocacy groups had warned the bill could undermine organizing efforts.

The split decision is likely to fuel debate over how New York balances security concerns — particularly around Jewish institutions facing rising antisemitic incidents — with longstanding protections for protest activity.

Mamdani said the city “will always uphold both the right to prayer and the right to protest,” calling both fundamental freedoms that define New York City.