Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., derided a House measure titled the "Antisemitism Awareness Act" as a "ridiculous hate speech bill" as lawmakers prepared to vote on Wednesday, The Hill reported.
The legislation, passed amid widespread pro-Palestinian demonstrations on American campuses, seeks to address antisemitism in educational settings.
Gaetz, a vocal opponent of the bill, contended that certain passages from religious texts, including the Bible, could be deemed antisemitic under its provisions.
"Antisemitism is wrong, but this legislation is written without regard for the Constitution, common sense, or even the common understanding of the meaning of words," Gaetz posted on X.
The bill, if enacted, would compel the Department of Education to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of antisemitism for enforcement purposes. Gaetz took particular issue with IHRA's inclusion of examples like "claims of Jews killing Jesus."
"The Gospel itself would meet the definition of antisemitism under the terms of this bill!" Gaetz posted in bold text.
"The Bible is clear. There is no myth or controversy on this," he posted, again in bold text.
"Therefore, I will not support this bill," he concluded.
According to IHRA, antisemitism encompasses various forms of hostility toward Jews, including both verbal and physical manifestations. The proposed legislation also targets contemporary antisemitism, such as associating Israel or Israelis with historical antisemitic tropes.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., echoed Gaetz's concerns, suggesting that the bill might incriminate Christians for adhering to Gospel narratives and that its broad scope could stifle religious expression.
However, the bill's sponsors, Reps. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., and Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., refuted these claims on CNN's "The Lead with Jake Tapper" Wednesday, emphasizing that the legislation would not curtail religious beliefs. The bill garnered significant bipartisan support, passing the House with a 320-91 vote, and is now poised for consideration in the Senate.
Gaetz's and Greene's criticisms sparked debate within the Republican Party, with some members challenging their interpretation of the bill's implications.
Despite dissenting voices, the bill's proponents remain steadfast in their assertion that it is necessary to address the rise of antisemitism in educational institutions.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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