New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a series of legislative measures aimed at combating crime and enhancing public safety, with one law focusing on safeguarding residents from violence motivated by hatred. The new law revises an existing state statute, adding provisions that classify the removal, or even the threat of removing, religious garments—such as a yarmulka or hijab—as second-degree aggravated harassment, according to the governor’s office.

“Public safety is my top priority, and I’m committed to using every possible tool to keep New Yorkers safe,” Hochul remarked.

Throughout the last year, there have been several incidents where people’s religious attire was targeted in violent acts, including a recent case in Willowbrook on Staten Island. In this instance, a man had his yarmulke forcibly removed while he was walking through the area.

The victim, 37 years old, was walking at the intersection of Harold Street and Forest Hill Road at around 4:30 p.m. on November 10 when two individuals approached him on a black moped, as reported by the police.

One of the individuals is said to have knocked the man’s kippah off before both individuals fled in an unspecified direction.

On November 15, police arrested a 17-year-old male and charged him with aggravated harassment based on race or religion, according to a statement from the NYPD’s Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.

“I commend Governor Hochul for signing this critical legislation, which ensures that the removal or threat of removal of religious clothing, such as kippahs and hijabs, is recognized for what it is — an act of aggravated harassment and a hateful crime that has no place in our communities,” said Assemblyman Nader Sayegh.

“Protecting individuals’ rights to freely express their faith is fundamental to ensuring the safety and dignity of all New Yorkers,” he added. “This law sends a clear message: Acts of hate and intimidation will not be tolerated.”

{Matzav.com}