U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi of Long Island announced a bipartisan bill Friday, April 24, to establish buffer zones around houses of worship, drawing praise from an array of religious organizations but concern from civil liberties groups.
The Safeguarding Access to Congregations and Religious Establishments from Disruption Act would make it a federal crime to obstruct, harass, or intimidate congregants within 100 feet of places of worship or to come within eight feet of a worshipper with the intent to harass.
