Story perspectives

California Proposes 100-Foot Buffer for Houses of Worship

3/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

California Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan introduced AB 2664, the Safe Worship Zone, to create a 100-foot buffer around houses of worship.
The measure is backed by a coalition of 40 Jewish groups seeking to shield congregants from protests amid antisemitism.
Supporters note that 26% of Jewish Americans feel unsafe attending their institutions.
New York is considering similar legislation, but debates over protest rights versus religious access and First Amendment concerns persist.

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Story summary

California Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan introduced AB 2664, the Safe Worship Zone, to create a 100-foot buffer around houses of worship.
The measure is backed by a coalition of 40 Jewish groups seeking to shield congregants from protests amid antisemitism.
Supporters note that 26% of Jewish Americans feel unsafe attending their institutions.
New York is considering similar legislation, but debates over protest rights versus religious access and First Amendment concerns persist.