Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo signed the First Responders Harassment Bill late Monday afternoon, amid protest from some community groups.

The bill would make it a crime to harass a first responder if someone intentionally engages in conduct to annoy, alarm, or threaten their safety. It would be punishable by either jail or a fine up to $5,000.

Protesters rallied in front of the Monroe County legislative building and into its chambers, demanding the bill not be signed.

“It tramples on the First Amendment; freedom of speech,” said Rev. Lewis Stewart of United Christian Leadership Ministry. “Third, it is vague. Fourth, it gives police officers the authority to interpret what is annoying behavior.”

Many in opposition who spoke out at the public hearing also argued that the proposed law would add to an existing issue of mistrust and suspicion between communities of color and law enforcement.

Dinolfo did not go to the public hearing on the legislation but did tell Spectrum News in a prior interview that she intended to sign the bill.

“It’s important that we support the men and women who go out and do the work every single day and make sure the public is protected,” Dinolfo said. “I certainly trust that the law will be applied as intended. I trust that our law enforcement officers will do the right thing as they apply this law in the public as we go forward.”

Those in opposition say they will continue to challenge the law if it is signed.

“This is happening in the wake of pre-trial legislation,” said Ashley Gantt of the New York Civil Liberties Union, “…that’s coming down the pipeline in January 2020, and the Police Accountability Board that is being passed. If this passes then we’ll be making a lot of noise about it.”

Dinolfo was not available to comment immediately following the bill being signed.