The Center for Constitutional Rights recently sent a letter to New York City Council members to urge them to oppose security perimeter bills Int. 001-B (Menin) and Int. 175-B (Dinowitz) that would create protest "buffer zones" outside houses of worship and schools.

The letter sent on March 25, 2026 reaffirmed that policing must not be the primary policy response to constitutionally-protected First Amendment activities and that New York City policy makers should be creating policies that protect our communities instead of policies that increase police presence at protests and demonstrations. City Council proposals will chill First Amendment protected protest, ensure over-policing of communities of color, Muslims, LGBTQIA+ people, and immigrant communities, and perpetuate constitutional violations against individuals and groups with disfavored viewpoints. 

Additionally, the Center for Constitutional Rights joined over 55 groups opposing the New York City Council proposals in a New York Civil Liberties Union-led letter published on March 26, 2026.

The New York City Council voted and passed both bills on March 26, 2026, Int. 001-B passed 44-5 and Int. 175-B passed 30-19.