Bill > H5455

This bill defines anti-Semitism for the state human affairs commission by adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition, which was formally adopted by the United States and 33 other governments in 2016. The bill acknowledges that anti-Semitism remains a persistent problem in American society, with Jewish people being among the most likely religious groups to be targeted by hate incidents. The proposed legislation adds a new section to the state's Civil Rights Act that provides a comprehensive definition of anti-Semitism, including contemporary examples, while explicitly stating that criticism of Israel similar to criticism of any other country does not constitute anti-Semitism. The bill importantly includes protections for First Amendment rights and ensures that the definition cannot conflict with existing discrimination laws. When investigating potential discrimination, state agencies are now instructed to consider this definition to determine if an act was motivated by anti-Semitic intent. The bill aims to provide state officials and institutions with tools to recognize and address anti-Semitic harassment and discrimination, while maintaining a nuanced approach that distinguishes between legitimate criticism and discriminatory behavior.

Government Affairs

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