Policy
NYPD’s Tisch seeks changes to protest perimeter bills
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin said she’s working with the NYPD to amend the bill.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, left, wants changes to a City Council bill banning protests outside houses of worship. Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin’s proposal that could place severe limits on public protest up to 100 feet from a house of worship may be a little too black-and-white for the blue.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch is seeking looser language in the bill that would order the NYPD to create rules which critics say would effectively ban protests within 100 feet of churches, mosques and synagogues.
“Commissioner Tisch has concerns with the initial drafting of the bills, and she is working closely with the speaker’s office to ensure that the language of the bill maintains the NYPD’s flexibility to both protect houses of worship and facilitate first amendment rights,” NYPD spokesperson Delaney Kempner said in a statement.
The NYPD declined to elaborate on specifics. But Menin confirmed she’s planning to amend the bill, which she sponsors.
“We’re working on a couple of amendments to the bill, we’re working very collaboratively with NYPD on the bill,” she told City & State Friday. “The bill doesn’t restrict anyone’s right to free speech, which is “sacrosanct,” she added. “What they do is they restrict intimidation and harassment as someone enters or exits a house of worship.”
Menin introduced her bill after Gov. Kathy Hochul endorsed similar legislation at her State of the State address. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has been relatively quiet on the proposals, but they’ve faced criticism from left-leaning Jewish groups and some free speech advocates.
After this story was initially published, Menin’s office followed up to counter the arguments that the bill would amount to a protest ban.
“The intent of the bill is to protect access. The bill does not create a blanket protest-free zone or ban demonstrations within 100 feet of houses of worship,” Menin spokesperson Henry Robins said. “It directs the NYPD to develop a plan to ensure individuals can safely enter and exit without intimidation, harassment or obstruction, while fully respecting First Amendment rights.“
This story has been updated to specify the bill would allow for security perimeters up to 100 feet from the entrances and exits of a house of worship. It has also been updated with comment from Robins.
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