Protests outside the home of New Jersey's state Senate president could be outlawed by a newly proposed ordinance.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports the West Deptford Township Committee introduced an ordinance Wednesday to overhaul its loitering ordinance and regulate picketing in residential areas.

The measure would ban picketing that's targeted at and within 100 feet of a house in the Gloucester County town. Picketing beyond that point would be limited to no more than 10 people for one hour every two weeks.

The proposal comes after gun proponents staged two protests at Democratic Sen. Stephen Sweeney's home.

Officials say the ordinance was introduced because of protests requiring police, but they haven't mentioned Sweeney.

Critics say it's an attack on free speech.

Sweeney didn't respond to request for comment.