NY A08849

Amends Penal Law Section 240.30 to add removing a religious clothing article or headdress to the definition of physical contact constituting aggravated harassment in the second degree.

Applies to actions taken with intent to harass, annoy, threaten or alarm another person because of belief or perception regarding the person's religion, religious practice, race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or sexual orientation.

Includes both actual removal of religious clothing and threats to remove such items within the scope of prohibited conduct.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.