Since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, anti-Semitism has risen in New York, as in other cities. According to a report published in August, anti-Semitic hate crimes in the state increased by 89% between 2018 and 2023.
In this context, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed new legislation on Tuesday that criminalizes the forced removal of religious clothing, with the aim of strengthening the protection of religious communities.
In addition to kippahs and hijabs, the law also includes protections for people wearing turbans, veils and other religious attire. Hochul stressed that “public safety is my top priority, and I am committed to using every tool possible to keep New Yorkers safe.”
With this new regulation, the forced removal of these garments will be considered a criminal offense, which seeks to deter discriminatory acts and strengthen coexistence in a diverse society.