Bill > S06842

This bill provides comprehensive legal protections against anti-Semitism by amending New York State's executive and penal laws. The legislation defines anti-Semitism broadly, including actions such as expressing hatred towards Jewish people, making derogatory or dehumanizing statements about Jewish individuals or their culture, calling for harm against Jewish people, spreading conspiracy theories about Jewish control of institutions, and falsely blaming Jewish people collectively for actions of individuals or the state of Israel. The bill expands the definition of "creed" in state human rights law to explicitly include protections for Jewish people and their religious practices. It requires state agencies and courts to consider this new definition of anti-Semitism when investigating discrimination claims. Additionally, the bill amends the hate crimes statute to ensure that anti-Semitic acts that result in violence, injury, or property damage can be prosecuted as hate crimes. Importantly, the bill includes a provision stating that nothing in the act will diminish constitutional rights to free speech. The legislation aims to provide legal recourse and recognition for acts of discrimination and hatred specifically targeting Jewish individuals and communities, reflecting the legislature's findings about the persistent problem of anti-Semitism in society.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6842