- The Ohio Senate passed Bill 297, which incorporates the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism into Ohio state law.
- The bill expands the offense of "ethnic intimidation" to include acts of riot and aggravated riot based on race, color, religion or national origin.
- The bill includes the IHRA's definition of anti-Semitism as "a certain perception of Jews, expressed as hatred, targeting Jewish or non-Jewish individuals, property or institutions."
- The legislation sparked debate over free speech protections, with Democrats like Sen. Paula Hicks Hudson raising concerns about criminalizing free speech and Rep. Matt Gaetz suggesting it could criminalize the Gospel.
- GOP senators, including Bill sponsor Sen. Terry Johnson, argue that the bill is not meant to be used as an attack on free speech and that criticism of Israel is acceptable.
The Ohio Senate has passed a bill that would incorporate the definition of anti-Semitism into Ohio state law.
Bill 297, which received a vote of 27 to 4 in favor on Dec. 18, incorporates the definition of anti-Semitism established by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) into Ohio state law. This move follows an executive order from Gov. Mike DeWine in 2022, which encouraged state agencies, including higher education institutions, to use the IHRA definition as a guide for investigations. (Related: Newly proposed law would strip non-profit status from all organizations across America that criticize Israel.)
According to the IHRA definition, anti-Semitism is "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities."
The bill would also expand the criminal offense of "ethnic intimidation" to include acts of riot and aggravated riot committed based on race, color, religion or national origin.
If passed, Ohio would become one of several states to formally adopt the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism into its state law.
Rep. Matt Gaetz: Bill 297 would criminalize the Gospel itself
Ohio State Sen. Paula Hicks Hudson (D-11), one of four senators to vote against the bill, expressed concerns about the potential ramifications of the law. "When we look at the language of this bill, and we look at how it comes down to what the law should and should not do, what we are doing is criminalizing free speech," Hicks Hudson said. "We are not coming up with an answer by doing this."
U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who previously criticized the "Antisemitism Awareness Act," echoed a similar statement. Gaetz highlighted the potential consequences of adopting the IHRA's definition of antisemitism. He argued in his social media post that this definition would criminalize the Gospel itself.
"Antisemitism is wrong, but this legislation is written without regard for the Constitution, common sense or even the common understanding of the meaning of words. The Gospel itself would meet the definition of antisemitism under the terms of this bill!" Gaetz posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. But shortly after, Gaetz deleted his tweet due to the controversy it caused during his nomination for attorney general.
The bipartisan push for this legislation has sparked debates over the balance between protecting marginalized communities and safeguarding free speech. Some argue that such bills are aimed at appeasing a foreign power, rather than addressing domestic concerns.
However, other state politicians including State Sen. Terry Johnson (R-14), the sponsor of the bill, countered that the bill is not an attack on free speech and wouldn't be used for criminal prosecutions. "I want to emphasize now that the state of Israel is not above criticism," Johnson stated.
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