Nassau County Executive Curran vetoes bill that would let police sue protesters

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran vetoed a bill Tuesday that would have let police sue protesters who harass or injure them, citing constitutionality concerns.

The bill would have made Nassau police officers and other first responders a protected class under the county's human rights law. Nassau correction officers would have also been protected. Police would have been able to sue protesters with fines ranging from $25,000 to $50,000.

Curran issued a statement saying, "I'm proud of the dedicated first responders who've made Nassau the safest county in America, and I continue to stand firmly with the brave men and women of law enforcement, and against any efforts to 'defund the police.' The guidance provided by the New York State Attorney General raises issues about the constitutionality of the proposed law, which would inhibit residents' rights to free speech and protest. The proposed bill is well-intentioned but should not come at the costs of the basic First Amendment freedoms that we all enjoy as Americans."

Re: Nassau County Executive Curran vetoes bill that would let police sue protesters

I'm so happy about this. All of our calls, emails, and protests worked. The language in this bill is really disturbing. I didn't think she would do the right thing but she did.

Re: Nassau County Executive Curran vetoes bill that would let police sue protesters