NYCLU on Anti-Speech Zones in State Budget

ALBANY – Today, Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature finalized their anti-speech zone legislation in the FY27 budget. While the legislation claims to not criminalize speech, it creates a sweeping definition for “place of worship,” will chill speech within 50 feet of such locations, and appears to encourage police to still use “security perimeters.” In response, the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) released the following statement, attributable to executive director Donna Lieberman:

“This new anti-speech zone law may be an improvement over Albany’s initial even worse proposals, but it is still needless, dangerous, and an affront to our democracy. This law risks chilling activism at a time when the voices of New Yorkers are more needed than ever, which will be a gift to the Trump administration.

“This new law defines ‘places of worship’ too vaguely and promotes police-established security perimeters that could stifle the No Kings and Hands Off marches, anti-war rallies, and ICE protests that millions of New Yorkers have rightly participated in in the last year. It will hinder student walkouts outside of religious schools and even limit picketing around community centers. And since the law applies to any event at a place of worship, it will also create safe havens where lawmakers can shield themselves from public criticism — even if the subject matter is non-religious.

“This effort to trade away New Yorkers’ rights was needless and reflects the worst kind of governance. Existing laws already protect New Yorkers entering and leaving a house of worship and the Governor chose to delay the state budget for months, negotiating these terms behind closed doors. These backroom deals as part of New York’s ‘big ugly’ prevent the free and open debate and public input that is essential to a healthy legislative process.

“As this new law is enforced, the New York Civil Liberties Union will keep a close watch to ensure New Yorkers’ rights are upheld and protected.”