Hochul Advocates for Protest Restrictions Near Houses of Worship
ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul is set to advocate for regulations on protests occurring close to places of worship as part of the upcoming state budget discussions. This move might spark a policy disagreement with Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani, according to reports.
Hochul’s proposal aims to establish a buffer zone between religious sites and demonstrations, gaining traction after an anti-Israel group disrupted a Manhattan synagogue last month, a representative from her office revealed.
Representative Micah Lasher (D-Manhattan) and State Senator Sam Sutton (D-Brooklyn) have already introduced legislation to prohibit demonstrations within 20 feet of the entrances or parking areas of worship centers or abortion clinics.
When discussing the protest that took place outside Park East Synagogue on November 19, Hochul expressed her support for measures to limit gatherings near such locations. However, she was careful to clarify that she wasn’t endorsing any specific bill yet.
“I’m very interested in protecting an individual’s right to worship in any setting—whether it’s a house of worship or any sensitive area—so I will thoroughly consider ideas for buffers to safeguard our fundamental rights,” Hochul mentioned recently.
As for Mamdani, he remained noncommittal regarding the new legislation introduced by Lasher and Sutton. “I look forward to speaking with community leaders, elected officials, and legal experts before deciding on the bill,” he stated.
Mamdani, a democratic socialist and vocal critic of Israel, has faced backlash for his response to protests at a synagogue on the Upper East Side that were organized by Israeli groups. He even took issue with some synagogues allowing Nefesh B’Nefesh—a group assisting Jewish immigration to Israel—to use their spaces, arguing that “these sacred spaces should not be utilized to promote activities that violate international law.”
Interestingly, even Hochul, who had previously supported Mamdani, distanced herself from his suggestions regarding synagogues facilitating illegal actions.
Responding to Mamdani’s previous statements, Hochul remarked, “I disagree with that assessment. I’m not characterizing his behavior; I’m just saying I don’t agree with it.”
Furthermore, she noted that Mamdani does not possess the authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he visit New York, debunking the mayor-elect’s earlier claims about such intentions. “No, that’s not true. The mayor of New York doesn’t have that authority,” Hochul asserted.
Lasher, who is campaigning for the competitive 12th Congressional District primary, welcomed Hochul’s backing for protest buffer zones. “I am glad to see Governor Hochul supporting rational legislation that allows individuals to safely access places of worship,” he remarked. “What unfolded at Park East Synagogue was distressing, unacceptable, and must not become standard practice.”
