#Cuomo signs law making it harder to file lawsuits to stifle free speech

ALBANY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a new law Tuesday making it harder for the rich and powerful to file nuisance lawsuits to stifle free speech and intimidate critics.

The new law targets “strategic lawsuits against public participation,” known as SLAPPs, usually brought forth by wealthy plaintiffs to hamper free speech.

Typically expensive and time consuming, these filings have been wielded by individuals seeking to oppress free speech, like Harvey Weinstein — who threatened to sue the New York Times for defamation after the newspaper published an expose on the disgraced movie tycoon’s history of sexual harassment.

“This is a lawsuit that’s used by wealthy bullies to intimate their critics,” the bill’s lead sponsor and chair of the state Senate Judiciary Committee, Brad Hoylman (D-Manhattan) told The Post.

“Whether it be journalists, activists or victims of sexual harassment in the workplace, it crosses a line where a defamation suit is weaponized against a victim.”

The measure changes the state’s civil rights statute, putting the onus on the plaintiffs to pay the defendants’ costs and attorney’s fees if the lawsuit is thrown out.

The measure takes effect immediately.

“The state must do everything in its power to protect the integrity of the civil justice system and prevent our courts from being used as tools of oppression and intimidation. Lawsuit abuse not only detracts from public debate, it can also lead to substantial financial harm,” said Tom Stebbins, Lawsuit Reform Alliance of New York Executive Director.

“Strong anti-SLAPP laws are the best protection for consumers who want to give honest opinions online without facing the threat of meritless lawsuits,” argued John Olsen, director of the Internet Association’s Northeast Division.

“The internet industry commends Governor Cuomo for signing this critical legislation that will limit litigious efforts that chill free speech and healthy debate by targeting those who speak out on issues of public interest.”