Overview
- A U.S. district judge granted a preliminary injunction on Friday, June 19, 2026, temporarily stopping Nassau County from enforcing the Religious Safety Act while the constitutional challenge continues.
- The county law barred protests and literature distribution within 35 feet of a house of worship, expanded protection to 100 feet around service times, and banned approaching people within 10 feet without consent.
- Judge Sanket J. Bulsara wrote that the statute likely imposed severe burdens on speech because its broad perimeters could make public sidewalks and streets effectively off-limits for core First Amendment activity.
- Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said the injunction was wrongfully issued and vowed to defend the law, while the New York Civil Liberties Union called the ruling a strong sign the ordinance is likely unlawful.
- The decision may influence other jurisdictions weighing similar rules because First Amendment law treats sidewalks as highly protected public forums and requires narrowly tailored restrictions, and the case will proceed to further briefing and argument.