After months of backroom dealing, Gov. Hochul touted what she called her “buffer zone legislation” which threatens to chill protest and other forms of free speech near houses of worship. While the bill that finally passed isn’t as bad as the Governor’s initial proposal, it is still needless, dangerous, and an affront to our democracy.

On this episode, we discuss this so-called buffer zone legislation and what it does, what it doesn’t do, and how it could impact New Yorkers’ ability to speak out. We also talk about an ongoing NYCLU lawsuit against Long Island’s Nassau County, where an even worse, more aggressive anti-protest zone law is stifling the speech of New Yorkers.

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NOTE: After we recorded, the New York City Council passed the modified anti-protest zone bill related to educational facilities that Naila talks about in this episode.

In this episode, you'll hear:

(00:10) Intro

(2:14) What are buffer zone bills?

(5:16) The New York State law

(7:54) Local buffer zone bills

(9:47) Why Nassau County’s buffer zone law is especially aggressive

(13:26) NYCLU’s lawsuit against Nassau County

(16:48) New York City buffer zones?

(22:14) The truth about buffer zone laws

(22:47) CTA: Contact your lawmakers

Resources:

New York’s so-called ‘buffer zone law’ explained: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/nys-buffer-zone-law-doesnt-create-protest-free-areas-but-it-could-still-chill-speech

More info on NYC’s previous version of the ‘buffer zone’ legislation: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/buffer-zones-only-limit-free-speech

Tell the NYC Council to vote ‘no’! on buffer zones: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/tell-nyc-council-say-no-no-speech-zones

For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/

For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts

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