NC House approves bill defining antisemitism amid pro-Palestine protests

Proponents say the measure is aimed at ensuring Jewish people feel safe in North Carolina. Critics fear the bill could stifle free speech.

May 08, 2024

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Brendan Rosenblum, a junior at UNC-Chapel Hill, holds up an Israeli flag as pro-Palestine protesters throw water at him on April 30, 2024.

In a strong bipartisan vote, North Carolina House lawmakers on Wednesday approved a measure to define antisemitism.

While there are existing laws about hate crimes, proponents of the bill say a clear definition of antisemitism is needed to help inform judges’ sentencing decisions after somebody has been convicted of a crime. The move comes in response to pro-Palestine protests across the state that have at times turned violent, including at UNC-Chapel Hill.

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