Proposed NYC restrictions on protests fuel concern over free speech

"Civil liberties groups are warning that possible changes to the city's laws regulating protests, including a measure that would create a 100-foot buffer zone outside of schools and religious sites, could infringe on New Yorkers' First Amendment rights. The concerns come ahead of a public hearing on Wednesday at the City Council, which is considering a package of bills proponents say are aimed in part at combating antisemitism and other forms of religious bias."

"The measures follow the tumult on college campuses across the country, including at Columbia University, SUNY and CUNY campuses, after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and the ensuing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Those events fueled charges of antisemitism and Islamophobia on the campuses and beyond. Under pressure from the Trump administration, many campuses have conducted self-examinations aimed at addressing antisemitism, and otherwise improving the religious climate on their campuses."

"The bills' backers say the measures are needed to ensure worshippers and students can freely access religious and educational institutions during demonstrations without facing harassment. Councilmember Eric Dinowitz, a sponsor of the legislation, said in recent years protest speech had frequently "entered into harmful language." " We've seen over the past few years, both at educational institutions and at religious institutions, people walking in and being harassed or in some cases prevented from entering those institutions," Dinowitz said."

City Council proposals would direct the NYPD to plan security perimeters and create buffer zones around synagogues, churches, mosques, schools and colleges during protests. The measures respond to campus unrest after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack and subsequent Israel-Hamas war, which sparked allegations of antisemitism and Islamophobia. Supporters argue the rules protect worshippers and students from harassment and ensure access to institutions during demonstrations. Critics warn the bills could give police excessive discretion over which protests receive heightened policing and risk infringing on free speech rights. A public hearing is scheduled at the City Council.

Read at Gothamist