A California state lawmaker has introduced legislation that would establish 100-foot protest-free buffer zones around the entrances and exits of houses of worship, amid mounting concern over religiously motivated harassment across the state.

Assemblywoman Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, who is Jewish, sponsored the bill, saying the surge in antisemitism and targeted intimidation outside religious institutions drove her to act.

“Every Californian deserves to practice their faith without fear,” she said. “The rise in antisemitism and targeted harassment outside houses of worship is deeply alarming and deeply personal to me.”

Under the legislation, it would be illegal to approach within eight feet of any person near a house of worship entrance or exit for the purpose of distributing leaflets, displaying signs, engaging in oral protest or education, or harassing, obstructing, threatening, or intimidating them. The bill specifies that the protections extend to vehicle occupants as well.

First-time violators would face misdemeanor charges, fines of up to $10,000, and up to one year in jail. A second offense would carry fines of up to $25,000, with the same potential jail term.

The bill follows similar legislation proposed earlier this year in the New York City Council, which drew backing from Jewish organizations there. Both measures have faced pushback from critics who argue that buffer zones infringe on constitutionally protected free speech.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)