New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday, citing a pro-Palestine protest as the primary motivator, proposed a ban on protesting outside of religious institutions, prompting criticism that it violates First Amendment rights and the "unlawful sales" of Palestinian land, according to rights groups.
Hochul made the announcement to introduce a protest-free 25-foot buffer zone outside of religious institutions during her State of the State address, explicitly referencing the Palestinian Assembly for Liberation-Awda’s (PAL-Awda) protest against Tivuch Shelly's real estate expo promoting the sale of Palestinian land on 8 January in the New York City borough of Queens.
Hochul said that her proposal protects “those who simply want to pray”.
Protestors were criticised by lawmakers such as New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani, US representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and attorney general Letitia James for chanting "We support Hamas" during the Queens protest.
PAL-Awda condemned Hochul's proposal to limit its ability to protest and assemble, calling it a “blatant violation” of its First Amendment rights and an attempt by the state to shield real estate companies.
