Albany, NY (May 27, 2026)

The New York State Legislature passed a new law Tuesday establishing protected buffer zones around houses of worship, following months of debate over how to respond to protests and harassment outside religious institutions.

The measure creates a 50-foot protected area around entrances to houses of worship and also applies to certain religious education sites and community centers. Police managing protests at these locations will be allowed to set larger perimeters when necessary to maintain access and public safety.

Under the law, interfering with someone entering or leaving a protected religious site can be prosecuted as a Class B misdemeanor. Supporters say the measure is aimed at stopping targeted intimidation while still allowing lawful demonstrations to continue at a reasonable distance.

Governor Kathy Hochul pushed for the legislation as part of the state budget process, arguing that New Yorkers must be able to enter shuls and other houses of worship without fear. The push gained momentum after a series of hostile anti-Israel demonstrations outside synagogues, including incidents where Jewish passersby were harassed and demonstrators displayed extremist symbols or voiced support for terror groups.

The legislation follows action by New York City, where lawmakers passed a related measure requiring the NYPD to develop public safety plans for protests near houses of worship. The city version does not create a fixed statewide distance requirement or the same criminal penalties. Mayor Zohran Mamdani separately vetoed a bill that would have expanded similar protections around educational facilities.

The issue has remained politically divisive, with supporters framing the new state law as a necessary response to rising antisemitism and targeted harassment. Opponents have argued that buffer zones could chill free speech and give police too much discretion over protests.

For Jewish communities across New York, the passage marks a significant victory after repeated calls for stronger protection around shuls, schools and communal spaces. Lawmakers backing the measure said the goal is to ensure that people of every faith can attend services, school programs and community events safely.

Sorry Mayor Mamdani, Albany will protect Jewish New Yorkers if you cannot.

New Yorkers who came tonight to Gracie Mansion protesting Zohran Mamdani discovered that Mamdani has a buffer zone near his house.

Let that sink in: the mayor who used his veto power to prevent Jewish schools from having buffer zones against Nazis protesting at their doorstep,…

— Rabbi Poupko (@RabbiPoupko) May 27, 2026