[ Sacramento, CA ]– Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) today expressed strong support for legislation introduced in New York that would establish buffer zones around houses of worship and reproductive health care clinics.
The New York bill, introduced by Assemblyman Micah Lasher, would ban demonstrations within 25 feet of entrances to houses of worship and reproductive health clinics.
"I am glad to see New York taking action to protect people seeking to worship freely," said Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan. "Last year, I introduced AB 2099 to strengthen protections for reproductive health facilities and places of worship. As we continue to witness escalating harassment and intimidation tactics targeting both communities across the nation, this work has never been more urgent."
AB 2099 updated California's Freedom of Access to Clinics and Church Entrances (FACCE) Act to increase penalties for those who intentionally injure, intimidate, or interfere with reproductive health services patients, providers, and assistants, as well as individuals exercising their First Amendment right to religious freedom at places of worship.
"Since the Dobbs decision, reproductive health clinics and houses of worship have faced increasing threats and violence," said Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan. "According to the National Abortion Federation, protective states like California experienced dramatic increases in anti-reproductive health incidents—stalking increased by 913% and clinic obstruction increased by 538%. AB 2099 ensures that extremists face real consequences for their actions and that patients and worshippers can access care and practice their faith safely."
In 2024, AB 2099 passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee with a unanimous 8-0 vote and received 0 "No" votes on the Assembly Floor (63-0), before passing the Senate 31-9 and being signed into law.
