The SHALOM Act was signed into law by Governor Roy Cooper in North Carolina, adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism as the official definition in the state. The law aims to combat the rise of antisemitic incidents by providing a clear definition of the term. While critics argue that the law stifles free speech and targets legitimate criticism of Israel, supporters say it is necessary to address hate speech and protect the Jewish community.
The law does not create new criminal penalties but will be used as a guide for training, education, and combatting antisemitic hate crimes. Critics, including the ACLU of North Carolina, argue that the law could infringe on First Amendment rights by potentially criminalizing political speech. Protesters, including Jewish and Muslim activists, called on Governor Cooper to veto the bill, stating that criticism of a foreign government should not be equated with hatred towards an ethnic or religious group.
Supporters of the law, such as House Speaker Tim Moore, highlight the need for a clear definition of antisemitism in light of recent hate speech and attacks targeting Jewish people. The debate around the SHALOM Act reflects broader concerns about how to effectively combat antisemitism while also upholding principles of free speech and political dissent.
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