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The Indiana House of Representatives voted 83-0 on Thursday to approve HB 1002, which would adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism.
The legislation — the full text of which can be read HERE — will now be considered by the Indiana Senate, where it is being sponsored by Senator Aaron Freeman.
HB 1002’s summary says it “defines ‘antisemitism,’ specifies that the public policy of the state is to provide educational opportunities free of religious discrimination, and provides that antisemitism is discrimination on the basis of religion.”
The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) has backed the call of the Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and other Jewish organizations and institutions in Indiana for the bill to be passed by the Indiana General Assembly. This would make Indiana the 35th state to adopt the IHRA antisemitism definition.
“The Combat Antisemitism Movement applauds the Indiana House of Representatives for taking a critical step in addressing antisemitism,” CAM CEO Sacha Roytman stated on Thursday. “As antisemitism continues to rise nationwide, the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism provides a clear and standardized definition of antisemitism, enabling a more unified stance against this hatred. We now call upon the Indiana Senate to move swiftly to pass the bill to show that Indiana is committed to safeguarding the security and well-being of its Jewish residents.”
Indianapolis JCRC Executive Director Jacob Markey said, “We must define antisemitism if we are to counter antisemitism. This legislation provides a universal definition that will align Indiana with a widely-accepted standard.”
Indianapolis JCRC Board President Jamie Ratner Rich added, “Sadly, in 21st century America and in our own state, Jewish students are being targeted and are afraid to be who they are. It is unconscionable and antithetical to our deeply-held Hoosier values.”
