Antisemitism Redefinition

S 431 withholds U.S. funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) unless the Secretary of State certifies in writing that no UNRWA employee, contractor, or partner organization has criticized Israel, expressed support for boycotts for justice, or propagated antisemitic rhetoric. Examples of prohibited rhetoric include “describing Israelis as ‘occupiers’ or ‘settlers,’” expressing support for BDS, and advocating for the right of return. In defining antisemitism, the bill relies on the distorted IHRA definition, including its contemporary examples related to Israel. The IHRA definition conflates criticism of Israel and Palestinians’ lived experiences with anti-Jewish hate, infringing on protected expression and exacerbating anti-Palestinian racism. Similar bills introduced in previous sessions failed to pass.

HB 1037 is an antisemitism redefinition bill that adopts the distorted IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its contemporary examples that target advocacy for Palestinian rights, into Indiana law applying to public schools and higher education institutions. The introduced version of this bill referred to the definition of antisemitism found in a 2010 Department of State factsheet that is substantially similar to the IHRA definition.

HB 30 is an antisemitism redefinition bill that requires state agencies to consider the distorted IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its contemporary examples that target advocacy for Palestinian rights, when addressing allegations of discrimination or in the context of hate crimes enhancements. The definition conflates criticism of Israel and Palestinians’ lived experience and history with anti-Jewish hate, infringing on protected expression and exacerbating anti-Palestinian racism. An amended version of the bill adds antisemitic imagery to the state’s definition of terrorism and defines antisemitism according to the IHRA definition, a definition that conflates criticism of Israel and Palestinians’ lived experience and history with anti-Jewish hate, infringing on protected expression and exacerbating anti-Palestinian racism.

This antisemitism redefinition executive order directs all state agencies to adopt and use the distorted IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its contemporary examples that target advocacy for Palestinian rights. State agencies are required to consider the IHRA definition for the purposes of determining whether an alleged act of discrimination was motivated by antisemitic intent. Additionally, the order requires the IHRA definition to be used as an educational tool for anti-bias training for state personnel.

HB 1606 is an antisemitism redefinition bill that adopts the distorted IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its contemporary examples that target advocacy for Palestinian rights, into state law addressing discrimination as well as other areas of law. Related bill: SB 1252.

SB 1252 is an antisemitism redefinition bill that adopts the distorted IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its contemporary examples that target advocacy for Palestinian rights, into state law addressing discrimination as well as other areas of law. Related bill: HB 1606.

HB 2673 is an antisemitism redefinition bill that requires state agencies and public educational institutions to consider the distorted IHRA definition of antisemitism in assessing discrimination allegations in Tennessee’s public schools and universities. The bill specifically references the IHRA definition’s “contemporary examples of antisemitism” which include the following as examples of antisemitism related to Israel: “[a]pplying a double standards” to Israel,” or “[d]enying the Jewish people the right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.” The definition is so broad and vague that it could encompass nearly any criticism of Israel, circumscribing political speech in support of Palestinian rights, potentially in violation of the First Amendment. 

S 2434 is an antisemitism redefinition bill that directs the state to consider the distorted IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its contemporary examples related to Israel, for the purpose of determining whether a discriminatory act had antisemitic intent. The legislative statement accompanying the text notes that the bill “establishes a State definition of anti-Semitism.” Similar bills (S 4001/H 5755 ) were defeated after civil rights groups raised constitutional concerns. Related bill:  A 3882.

A 3882 is an antisemitism redefinition bill that directs the state to consider the distorted IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its contemporary examples related to Israel, for the purpose of determining whether a discriminatory act had antisemitic intent. The legislative statement accompanying the text notes that the bill “establishes a State definition of anti-Semitism.” Similar bills (S 4001/H 5755 ) were defeated after civil rights groups raised constitutional concerns. Related bill: S 2434.

This antisemitism redefinition bill amends Iowa’s Civil Rights Act to adopt a distorted definition of antisemitism that could encompass any and all criticism of Israel, circumscribing protected political speech activities. The bill requires the consideration of the problematic IHRA definition, including the contemporary examples, such as “Applying a double standard to the State of Israel by requiring behavior of the State of Israel that is not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation,” when investigating discrimination complaints. As a result, political speech supportive of Palestinian rights could be deemed unlawful discrimination in the workplace, in public accommodations, and in educational institutions in Iowa. The bill was withdrawn after a companion bill (HF 2220) was passed.