New NYS law makes it a crime to harass congregants going in and out of churches, parochial schools
A new New York State law criminalizes harassment of congregants at places of worship and parochial schools. This legislation, aimed at addressing rising antisemitic incidents, establishes a 50-foot buffer zone around these locations. Offenders may face a class B misdemeanor charge, with penalties including up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine.
- ▪The law was introduced in response to an increase in antisemitic incidents.
- ▪It creates a 50-foot buffer zone around houses of worship and parochial schools.
- ▪Harassment that instills reasonable fear for safety can lead to criminal charges.
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Metro New NYS law makes it a crime to harass congregants going in and out of churches, parochial schools By Vu Chau Published May 26, 2026, 3:46 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google It will now be a crime target or harass congregants heading to and from houses of worship or parochial schools — under a new state law crafted in response to soaring antisemitic incidents. The new law, tucked in a massive budget bill, establishes a new penalty for “criminal interference with access to a place of religious worship” — a class B misdemeanor with a penalty of up to 90 days in jail and a maximum $500 fine. The law, backed by Gov.
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