Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper has signed the SHALOM Act into law, aiming to combat antisemitism in North Carolina. The bill, known as HB 942, aligns the state’s definition of antisemitism with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition from 2016. This definition will serve as a tool to educate and prevent antisemitic hate crimes and discrimination in the state.
The legislation was introduced by Sen. Bobby Hanig in April 2023, in response to a rise in antisemitism across the state and the country. Hanig emphasized the importance of protecting all citizens from hate and bigotry, without infringing on constitutional rights. Speaker Tim Moore, who introduced the bill, highlighted the need to address the violence and threats faced by the Jewish community, while also protecting free expression.
In addition to the SHALOM Act, Gov. Cooper also signed several other bills into law, including HB 495, which makes money laundering a felony and clarifies larceny crimes. The bill aims to address organized retail crime, which impacts businesses and consumers alike. The North Carolina Retail Merchants Association praised the passage of the bill, which they say will help modernize criminal laws and reduce costs for consumers.
Furthermore, HB 971 was signed into law to increase penalties for soliciting a prostitute and enhance training on human trafficking prevention. The new legislation also requires human trafficking awareness training for lodging establishments and prohibits the viewing of pornography on government networks.
The SHALOM Act and other bills signed into law demonstrate the state’s commitment to combating hate crimes, protecting vulnerable populations, and modernizing criminal laws to address evolving threats.
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