Congress Quietly Passes Sweeping ‘Antisemitism Awareness’ Bill That Prohibits Criticism Of Israel And Jews

The bill was rushed onto the House floor amidst a wave of violent and destructive demonstrations across a number of college campuses that profess to be pro-Palestinian.

H. R. 6090, better known as the Antisemitism Awareness Act, was accepted in a bipartisan vote of 320-91. 18 did not vote. The legislation was introduced by Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY), and 15 other Democratic co-sponsors, aided by House Speaker Mike Johnson in getting the bill through. Those who voted against the act from both sides cited infringement against free speech.

Check the roll call to see who voted how. The bill is expected to pass in the Senate and be signed by President Joe Biden.

A summary of the bill states:

This bill provides statutory authority for the requirement that the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights take into consideration the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA’s) working definition of antisemitism when reviewing or investigating complaints of discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. According to the IHRA’s working definition, antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.

Furthermore, the bill notes that “The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (referred to in this Act as the ‘‘IHRA’’) Working Definition of Antisemitism is a vital tool which helps individuals understand and identify the various manifestations of antisemitism.”

The contention being raised by some is how the IHRA defines antisemitism. The group provides a definition and examples of it on their website. They state: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews…