Nassau lawmakers pass bill forbidding demonstrators near houses of worship

A bill designed to protect the safety of those attending religious services in Nassau County's houses of worship gained unanimous approval in the legislature Wednesday and awaits the signature of Executive Bruce Blakeman. 

In a rare, end-of-year sign of unity, Republicans and Democrats agreed to co-sponsor the "Religious Safety Act," which would prohibit protesters from coming within 10 feet of someone entering or leaving a religious site. It also bars them from demonstrating, distributing pamphlets and engaging “in oral advocacy, or other forms of expressive or symbolic conduct” within 35 feet of a house of worship an hour before or after services. 

The vote was 17-0. Legis. James Kennedy (R-Massapequa) was absent from the meeting and there is one vacant seat on the 19-member board. 

Blakeman, who is expected to sign the bill into law, in a statement to Newsday after the vote, said "whether it is a synagogue, church, temple or mosque, Nassau County will not tolerate interference with people's right to observe their religious worship."  

The bill, first introduced by Legis. Mazi Melesa Pilip (R-Great Neck), cleared committees earlier this month. An amendment was added to the final version of the bill on the recommendation of Legis. Scott Davis (D-Rockville Centre) to include language that ensures law enforcement would provide an initial warning to protesters who violate the law. At Wednesday's meeting, the Republican caucus added the names of Democrats as co-sponsors. 

Newsday previously reported that violating the law would be punishable by a year in prison, a $250 fine or both.

"I support this law because I feel unsafe. I feel unsafe myself and [for] my family practicing our religion, practicing our faith," said Legis. Arnold Drucker (D-Plainview), who said his views on constitutionally protected free speech have "evolved" amid concerns about rising antisemitism. 

Nassau County earlier this year enacted another law making it illegal with a fine of up to $1,000 or a year in prison or both to be within 15 feet of first responders at a crime scene or other incident.

By Candice Ferrette

candice.ferrette@newsday.comcandiceferrette

Candice Ferrette covers Nassau County government and politics on Long Island. She has been a reporter at Newsday since 2011.