Pols push for bill to create protest buffer zone near New York houses of worship in wake of antisemitic rhetoric at synagogue demonstration

A coalition of New York lawmakers introduced new legislation on Wednesday aimed at protecting religious institutions from targeted demonstrations and intimidation directly outside their doors.

NYS Assembly Member Micah Lasher and state Sen. Sam Sutton announced the bill on Dec. 3 with support from other state politicians from NYC, notably Senator Liz Krueger and Assembly Member Nily Rozic.

The proposed bill, which follows last month’s boisterous demonstration led by pro-Palestine supporters outside an Upper East Side synagogue — in which participants shouted antisemitic phrases and slogans — seeks to establish a clear 25-foot buffer zone around houses of worship and healthcare facilities, restricting protests that directly impede access or create a hostile environment for anyone entering