RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on Monday signed legislation that places an official definition of antisemitism into state law, which supporters say could help law enforcement determine whether someone should be charged under current hate crime prohibitions based on race, religion or nationality.
The measure came to Cooper’s desk after the Senate and House approved it in near-unanimous votes last week. The bipartisan backing followed recent heated nationwide campus protests over the Israel-Hamas War and supporters’ concerns that some comments by pro-Palestinian demonstrators had crossed the line into being antisemitic.
The act adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, which is outlined as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.” It also includes several examples of antisemitism, such as the denial of Jewish people’s right to self-determination and applying double standards to Israel’s actions.
In a statement Monday, Cooper said the now-enacted “SHALOM Act” addresses rising antisemitism.
“While we protect the right to free speech, this legislation helps to make our state a more welcoming, inclusive and safe place for everyone,” the Democratic governor said.
A coalition of civil liberties and multifaith groups opposed the legislation, saying it could stifle protesters’ otherwise free speech, particularly of words critical of Israel. Opponents demonstrated outside the governor’s mansion late last week urging that he veto the bill.
As of Monday afternoon, Cooper still had more than 20 bills on his desk sent to him by the General Assembly before lawmakers wrapped up their primary work session for the year. Cooper has a 10-day window on each bill to sign them into law or veto them. A bill becomes law if he takes no action within 10 days.
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North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper signed legislation into law that establishes an official definition of antisemitism in the state on Monday. The bill received strong bipartisan support in both the Senate and House, and it aims to assist law enforcement in identifying potential hate crimes related to race, religion, or nationality. The move to define antisemitism in state law came after concerns were raised about comments made during recent protests over the Israel-Hamas conflict, with some fearing that statements made by pro-Palestinian protesters may have crossed into antisemitism territory. The legislation adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, which includes perceiving Jews with hatred and includes examples like denying Jewish people self-determination and applying double standards to Israel’s actions. In a statement, Governor Cooper mentioned that the newly enacted “SHALOM Act” is crucial in addressing the increase in antisemitic incidents, emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming and safe environment for all individuals while upholding free speech rights. However, there has been opposition to the legislation from a coalition of civil liberties and multifaith groups who believe that it could potentially limit free speech, especially with regard to criticisms of Israel. Protesters against the bill gathered outside the governor’s mansion urging him to veto it. Governor Cooper has over 20 bills left to address, and he has a 10-day window to either sign them into law or veto them after they were sent to him by the General Assembly before the end of their primary work session for the year.
