NYC Council OK’s ‘buffer zones’ around religious sites, schools

(The Center Square) — The New York City Council has approved bills aimed at increasing NYPD oversight of protests, including a controversial provision allowing for a buffer zone around religious and educational sites that has drawn threats of legal challenges from civil liberties groups.

The package of legislation that passed Thursday included bills that would authorize the New York City Police Department to look at the possibility of creating buffer zones around synagogues, churches, and other houses of worship, as well as colleges, during demonstrations in response to a rise in hate crimes.

The council stripped the bill of a previous provision that would have authorized a 100-foot buffer zone, leaving the distancing decision to NYPD officials to determine as part of their review.

“This legislative package strengthens transparency, improves coordination, and ensures safe access while fully safeguarding First Amendment rights,” Menin said in remarks Thursday. “We must protect freedom o...