New York Governor, Michael Hochul, has proposed a proposal to limit protests near houses of worship and health facilities in the state to prevent harassment and intimidation outside places of worship. The proposal would establish a 25-foot buffer zone from property lines and expand the state’s Clinic Access law to regulate demonstrations, obstruction and violence outside both houses of worships and reproductive health sites. Violations would result in stronger criminal penalties. Planned Parenthood leaders have expressed support for safe access but questioned whether the proposal would withstand legal scrutiny. The state Senate has advanced a bill that would make blocking access to religious houses a misdemeanor without regulating protests or establishing buffer zones, but would not apply to reproductive health clinics. Critics argue that existing laws already prohibit harassment, intimidation and violence at houses and clinics. The New York Civil Liberties Union also opposes the measure, arguing existing laws do not already prohibit such activity.