House-passed antisemitism bill may violate First Amendment warn critics: ‘Misguided and harmful’

Critics have blasted a bill recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives aimed at cracking down on anti-Semitism, arguing that it goes too far and would violate the free speech rights of all Americans. .

The bill, called the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act, passed the House on Wednesday by a vote of 320-91, with overwhelming bipartisan support from lawmakers.

The bill, introduced as anti-Israel protests roiled college campuses across the country, would allow the Department of Education to legally adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism when enforcing anti-discrimination rules. It is mandatory.

But bipartisan critics of the bill argued that the new anti-discrimination standards violate the First Amendment.

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While debating the bill ahead of the vote, Representative Jerry Nadler of New York said, “This definition, adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Association (IHRA), includes “contemporary examples of anti-Semitism.” “It is true,” he claimed. These examples may include protected speech in some contexts, particularly regarding criticism of the state of Israel. ”

Across the aisle, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) said the bill threatens the text of the Bible. Prior to the vote, the lawmaker told It would meet the definition of Judaism.” According to the provisions of this bill! ”

He cited one of the IHRA’s definitions of anti-Semitism as “claims that Jews murdered Jesus,” and argued that the Bible also falls under that definition.

“The Bible is clear. There is no myth or controversy about this. Therefore, I do not support this bill,” Gaetz added.

Newsweek opinion editor and Israel supporter Batia Unger Sargon slammed the bill, saying, “It’s nice to see bipartisan support for Jews, but it doesn’t change the definition of anti-Semitism.” This expanding Congressional bill is bad for America and bad for Jews in this country.” It was literally founded on the idea that there should be no government retaliation for speech that includes hate speech. ”

She also criticized the bill’s standards for what constitutes antisemitism, writing in a thread: “IHRA’s definition of antisemitism is terrible. Vague, too broad and dependent on examples. Not helpful.” Ta.

“We are not protecting American Jews from hate by ignoring the values ​​on which this great nation was founded. We are defending the nation that has always protected us. We do so by embracing what makes this country unique. The first amendment!”, added the journalist.

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The House of Representatives passed a bill expanding the definition of anti-Semitism for academia. (Getty Images)

Christopher Anders, director of democracy and technology policy at the ACLU, also slammed the bill, saying, “The House’s approval of this misguided and harmful bill is a direct attack on the First Amendment.”

He added: “While it is critically important to address the rise in anti-Semitism, sacrificing Americans’ right to free speech is not the way to solve the problem. This bill would There is a risk of politicizing enforcement by placing the entire responsibility of the federal government on efforts to contain it.” The strong protections of federal civil rights laws are needed when they are most needed. ”

He concluded that the U.S. Senate “must block this bill, which undermines First Amendment protections, before it is too late.”

Independent journalist Tim Poole warned of the bill’s alleged opposition to language found in other major religions, such as Islam. He posted: “Discussing hadith and Quran is illegal under antisemitism bill lol.”

Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) weighed in on the issue, saying, “While the rise of anti-Semitism in America, especially on college campuses, is abhorrent and disgusting, I am not willing to do so in violation of constitutional principles.” I will not vote in favor of a bill that tramples on the Constitution.” It is based on the First Amendment and has no positive impact on this issue. ”

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Meanwhile, Rep. Mike Lawler (New York), who sponsored the bill, told Fox News Digital, “I don’t want people to justify the murder of Jews, to use bloody libel, to imprison Jews.” “If you harass or bully Jews,” he said. Collective responsibility for the actions of the Israeli government needs to be made clear, unfortunately, but that’s why we need this bill. ”