Lawmakers Propose 25-Foot Buffer to Bar Protests Outside Houses of Worship and Reproductive Clinics

New York state lawmakers introduced legislation to prohibit demonstrations within 25 feet of the entrances to houses of worship and reproductive health care clinics, a response to a recent pro-Palestinian protest outside a prominent Manhattan synagogue.

What the bill would do

The proposal would amend existing buffer-zone rules to specifically ban protests taking place within 25 feet of a building entrance, including related areas such as parking lots, auxiliary entrances and driveways. Supporters say the measure is intended to protect safe, unobstructed access for worshippers and patients while preserving the right to protest in other nearby locations.

Why lawmakers introduced it

Assemblyman Micah Lasher, a Democrat representing Manhattan's Upper West Side, said he introduced the legislation in part because of a demonstration held outside Park East Synagogue last month. Nearly 200 demonstrators gathered just outside the synagogue, chanting slogans that included "Death to the IDF" and "globalize the intifada," language some critics described as inflammatory and threatening.

"We are not saying you can’t protest," Lasher said. "We’re not even saying you can’t protest around a house of worship. We are saying there needs to be some reasonable space so that people who are trying to enter a house of worship or reproductive care facility can do so without having to run a gauntlet."

Reaction and legal considerations

The protest produced criticism of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani for his initial reaction, in which he condemned the demonstrators' language but also suggested that "sacred spaces should not be used to promote activities in violation of international law," a likely reference to Israeli settlements. His team later issued a follow-up statement clarifying his commitment to protecting Jewish spaces.

Lasher said he expects the bill to withstand legal scrutiny on First Amendment grounds, arguing the measure creates a "modest buffer zone" that balances free speech rights with freedom of religion and safe access. Supporters say the legislation would give law enforcement clearer tools to prevent intimidation and obstruction while leaving room for lawful protest outside the buffer area.

Next steps and sponsors

The bill is co-sponsored by State Senator Liz Krueger, State Senator Sam Sutton and Assemblymember Nily Rozic. Lasher is also running in a crowded primary to succeed U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler. If advanced, the measure would go through the state legislative process and could face legal challenges if enacted.

Context: The demonstration outside Park East followed an event hosted by the synagogue for Nefesh B’Nefesh, a nonprofit that assists North American Jews considering relocation to Israel. Organizers of the protest cited concerns including the group’s online promotion of Israeli West Bank settlements.