New York has enacted legislation making the forced removal of religious attire—such as hijabs or turbans—a second-degree harassment crime.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed the legislation and emphasized the state’s commitment to ensuring the safety and dignity of its citizens amid rising hate crimes, particularly targeting Muslim communities.

"Public safety is my top priority, and I'm committed to using every possible tool to keep New Yorkers safe," Hochul said in a statement.

The legislation also mandates anti-hate education in schools to nurture respect and tolerance among younger generations. Additionally, it targets the misuse of technology, such as mobile phone thefts, to harass individuals wearing religious clothing.

This comes after multiple incidents over the year where individuals' religious clothing has been threatened.

New York has seen a surge in hate crimes over the last five years, with over 1,000 reported instances in 2023, including the targeting of people in religious clothing. One incident included a man pulling off a 16-year-old's hijab on the subway.