NYC Council passes synagogue protection legislation by veto-proof majority

The New York City Council passes a bill meant to protect synagogues by a vote of 44 in favor, five opposed, and one abstention.

The legislation will require police to formulate and make public plans to “contain the risk of physical obstruction, physical injury, intimidation, and interference at places of religious worship.”

The bill, part of City Council Speaker Julie Menin’s larger plan to combat antisemitism in the city, came in response to two vitriolic protests outside New York City synagogues in recent months.

The legislation became a flashpoint because of concerns over free speech limitations, with leftist and anti-Israel groups rallying against the bill.

The bill states that police must carry out protection measures while “preserving and protecting the rights to free speech, assembly, and protest,” and Menin has said the legislation will not restrict protests.

The first iteration of the legislation called for police to set up a buffer zone of up to 100 feet around houses of worship, but the updated text does not establish any zones against protests.

The legislation now heads to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who can reject the measure or sign it into law.

Mamdani has not confirmed whether he will approve the legislation and his base is opposed to the bill.

The City Council can override a mayoral veto with a two-thirds majority; however, meaning the 44 votes in favor are enough to pass the bill into law, even if Mamdani issues a veto.