Crimes against state, county houses of worship may carry stiffer penalties

Over the holiday season, religious symbols and houses of worship became the targets of vandals in Westchester and Hudson Valley. Now, state Senator Jeff Klein (D-Westchester) is introducing legislation that would make the penalties for such crimes much harsher.
Klein was joined Friday in White Plains by religious leaders and a representative of the Anti-Defamation League to introduce his bill. The legislation would enhance the penalty for anyone who commits vandalism or theft on church grounds from a misdemeanor to a Class E felony. A conviction of that type of crime could bring up to a four-year prison sentence.
According to the Anti-Defamation League, there has been a rise in attacks against houses of worship.