California Governor Newsom signs law protecting religious institutions — Jerusalem Post
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a law creating protective zones around religious institutions in the state. The signing followed a violent pro-Palestinian protest near the Wilshire Boulevard Temple synagogue in Los Angeles last year, the Jerusalem Post reports.
Violating the new rules is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months. For a repeat violation, the penalty may increase to a $5,000 fine and one year in prison.
Signing at a Los Angeles synagogue
Newsom signed the law at Wilshire Boulevard Temple in the presence of representatives of Jewish California, synagogue clergy, members of the California Jewish Legislative Caucus and the community. The governor said that every California resident should be able to attend a synagogue, church, mosque or other religious institution without fear.
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Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan of the Democratic Party introduced Assembly Bill 2664 in the spring. The document was drafted by Jewish California, a lobbying organization representing a number of Jewish groups in the state. In the state Senate, it was supported by 34 of 40 senators, and in the Assembly by 61 of 80 lawmakers.
Protests and objections
During the December demonstration near Wilshire Boulevard Temple, protesters blocked the entrance to the synagogue and prevented parents from accessing the religious school. According to the publication, property was damaged and a security guard was assaulted during the protest; one person was arrested for assault and another for vandalism. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the incident unacceptable and antisemitic at the time.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations opposed the law, saying that it creates new criminal penalties that could threaten peaceful protesters and community activists. At the same time, Jewish California said that Muslim, Sikh, Christian and Hindu organizations also supported the legislative initiative.
