State Assemblyman Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows) recently proposed legislation designed to deter would-be vandals and thieves from targeting religious institutions.
“Violating the sanctity of a house of worship through vandalism or theft violates our most fundamental values as Americans and New Yorkers, and merits the additional punishment which this legislation would impose,” Lancman said.
The bill would increase jail time and fines by reclassifying offenses like theft of items used in religious ceremonies and damage to the religious institution’s property as various classes of felonies.
The new classifications would carry maximum prison sentences of up to 15 years in some cases.
