Governor Kathy Hochul proposed a 25-foot buffer zone around houses of worship in her recent budget address. The idea aims to limit protests near these sites after recent demonstrations outside New York synagogues. A state assemblyman is now pushing the measure forward as lawmakers review the budget. It would create clear space for safety during services and events.
Free speech groups have quickly pushed back. Donna Lieberman, head of the New York Civil Liberties Union, called it a threat to First Amendment rights. She appeared on Capitol Tonight this week to explain her concerns. Lieberman argued that such zones could chill peaceful protests everywhere.
The debate heats up as the budget talks continue in Albany, with both sides digging in on balancing safety and expression. From your city, powered by AI, this is Buffalo News Today. I'm Corey with the story.