Displaying a noose is now a felony in NY
Governor David A. Paterson has signed legislation allowing criminal punishment for threats made through the display of nooses.
The new law classifies etching, painting, drawing or otherwise placing or displaying a noose to harass or threaten a bias victim as a felony punishable by up to four years in prison.
“It is sad that in these modern times there remains a need to address the problem of individuals who use nooses as a means of threat and intimidation,” said Governor Paterson. “But it is a reality, and if we ignore it we would be derelict in our duty. The Legislature has given voice to the revulsion that such incidents inspire in all of us.”
The current crime of Aggravated Harassment in the First Degree applies to conduct committed with intent to harass, annoy, threaten or alarm a victim chosen for reasons of bias. The conduct already covered includes the display of swastikas on real property without the permission of the property owner, and also the burning of crosses. This bill adds the display of a noose on real property, without the permission of the property owner, and makes such conduct a class E felony.
Two well-publicized incidents here in New York - one was found in the lockerroom at the Hempstead police station on Long Island, while another was found on the door of a Columbia University Teachers College professor in Manhattan. A noose was also found months ago in Merrick at a Town of Hempstead facility.
The noose serves as a frightening reminder of the African-Americans lynchings that took place in our nation`s past and is used to threaten, intimidate and terrorize its recipients.
