NC House easily passes “Shalom Act” to enshrine antisemitism definition in state law

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NC House easily passes “Shalom Act” to enshrine antisemitism definition in state law​

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By a vote of 105-4, the North Carolina House on Wednesday passed a bill, dubbed the "Shalom Act" that would establish a definition of antisemitism in state law. If the bill becomes law, North Carolina would, by reference, make the “Working Definition of Antisemitism Adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance on May 26, 2016” the state’s official definition of antisemitism. Under the definition, several types of criticism directed against Israel, such as “claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor,” would be deemed antisemitism. House Speaker Tim Moore, who is serving as one of the bill’s chief sponsors, said the measure is a response to a rise in hate speech and attacks on Jewish people. “North Carolina already has hate crime statutes in place, but there really is not a working definition of what truly constitutes antisemitism,” Moore said Wednesday at a press conference before the House vote. “This is very timely because of what we have seen across this country, and even right here in North Carolina.” Though the bill passed by an overwhelming margin, it drew spirited opposition from members of a coalition of civil liberties and faith groups who convened a press conference on the Legislative Building’s front lawn and addressed the House Judiciary I Committee prior to the House floor vote.

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Cooper signs SHALOM Act into law​

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper signed the SHALOM Act into law Monday. HB 942, which passed in the House on May 8, amends chapter 12 of the North Carolina General Statues, defining antisemitism as consistent with the working definition adopted by the International Remenbrance Alliance in 2016. The definition includes contemporary examples of antisemitism set forth “as a tool and a guide for training, education, recognizing and combatting antisemitic hate crimes or discrimination and for tracking and reporting antisemitic incidents in this State.”

“Defining antisemitism is important to stopping it, and this new law helps do that as antisemitic incidents are on the rise,” Cooper said in a press release. While we protect the right to free speech, this legislation helps to make our state a more welcoming, inclusive, and safe place for everyone.” Sen. Bobby Hanig, R-Currituck, first introduced legislation in April 2023 due to a rise in antisemitism that had occurred throughout the state and the country, well before the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7.

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Racism in Jewish communities
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CeeJay | June 17, 2022​