buffer zone bill
Coverage of buffer zone bill in the Nexus archive.
- ‘Unprecedented’: Federal court blocks Nassau County protest buffer zone bill over free speech concerns in legislation’s first judicial test
A federal court blocked Nassau County’s buffer zone bill, which prohibited protests within 100 feet of houses of worship, citing First Amendment concerns. The court’s preliminary ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Sanket Bulsara, emphasized the law’s overly broad restrictions on free speech and its potential to block protest on public streets, while Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman criticized the decision and vowed to continue defending the law.
- Israel Day Parade marches up 5th Avenue as Hochul signs buffer zone bill
The 2026 Israel Day Parade took place on Fifth Avenue in New York as Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Buffer Zone Bill, which establishes a 50-foot security perimeter between protests and houses of worship. The parade, themed 'Proud Americans, Proud Zionists,' drew thousands of attendees, including politicians like Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and former Mayor Mike Bloomberg.
- New York State passes buffer zone bill to protect houses of worship
New York State has passed a buffer zone bill establishing 50-foot protected areas around religious sites. Leading Jewish groups have praised the law, which follows a series of protests outside New York City synagogues.