Gov. DeSantis OKs adding definition of antisemitism to Florida law

After receiving unanimous support in a typically divided Legislature, a measure defining antisemitism in state law has earned the Governor’s signature.

Gov. Ron DeSantis approved legislation (HB 187) providing that Florida defines antisemitism as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews,” and rhetorical and manifestations of such hatred “directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals, their property, community institutions and religious facilities.”

The measure includes 11 examples of antisemitism that line up with its definition. They include “dehumanizing” stereotypes that Jews control industries and government, “demonizing” symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism such as blood libel, Holocaust denial, and double standards when criticizing Israel, the only Jewish-majority country.

But the measure explicitly provides that the term “antisemitism” does not apply to criticism of Israel that is similar to criticism of any other country. It also states that the measure “may not be construed to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment … or to conflict with federal or state antidiscrimination laws.”

The definition, which the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) adopted in 2016, already exists in Florida law already, but it’s tucked away in an education-specific portion of statutes.

The measure comes amid a staggering rise in hateful acts against Jews. It would not establish any new law or crime. Rather, the definition could be used in conjunction with Florida’s existing hate crime and discrimination statutes.

Antisemitic incidents in the U.S. surged 360%, according to the Anti-Defamation League, since the Oct. 7 attack in western Israel by Palestinian Hamas terrorists and the ensuing — and ongoing — war in Gaza.

Davie Democratic Rep. Mike Gottlieb sponsored the bill with Boynton Beach Democratic Sen. Lori Berman. Berman called the IHRA definition the “gold standard” that 43 United Nations member states and 11 U.S. states have adopted.

“By adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism, we are sending a powerful message that discrimination against Jewish individuals will not be tolerated in our state,” she said. “We are taking a proactive stance to ensure that Florida remains a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone.”

HB 187 will go into effect July 1.