New York makes blocking entry to houses of worship a crime

Blocking someone from entering a house of worship, or acting in a way that makes worshippers entering the building fear for their safety, is now a crime in New York under a law approved after a series of raucous demonstrations outside synagogues.

The law, signed Tuesday by Gov. Kathy Hochul, also expressly allows police to establish 50-foot security perimeters outside houses of worship where protests are not allowed.

"Every New Yorker should be able to enter their house of worship and practice their religion without fear," Hochul, a Democrat, said in a statement.

The legislation was enacted in response to protests that have taken place outside synagogues in the state. The new criminal provisions target conduct that either physically blocks entry or creates a reasonable fear for the safety of those attempting to enter a place of worship.

The 50-foot buffer zones represent a significant enforcement tool, as they provide a defined area where police may prohibit demonstrations entirely. The law grants law enforcement explicit authority to establish these perimeters around houses of worship.

Civil liberties advocates have raised concerns about the measure. Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, said the law risks chilling activism and could be used to criminalize free speech.

"This law risks chilling activism at a time when the voices of New Yorkers are more needed than ever, which will be a gift to the Trump administration," Lieberman said. "This effort to trade away New Yorkers' rights was needless," she added.

The law applies to all houses of worship in New York, not solely synagogues, though the legislation was prompted by demonstrations at Jewish religious institutions.