A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | |
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1 | State level adoption of IHRA (sorted by date) based on AJC web page which is inaccurate in various places | ||||||||
2 | As of April 2024, the following states have taken actionable steps to recognize, or establish as law, the primacy of the "working definition" of antisemitism published by the International Holocaust Remembrance Association (IHRA). | ||||||||
3 | |||||||||
4 | # | DATE | STATE | SOURCE | LANGUAGE | COMMENTS | |||
5 | 1 | 5/31/2019 | Florida | CS/CS/HB 741: Anti-Semitism; Ch. 2019-59 | (b) Examples of anti-Semitism related to Israel include: 1. Demonizing Israel by using the symbols and images associated with classic anti-Semitism to characterize Israel or Israelis, drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to 83 that of the Nazis, or blaming Israel for all inter-religious or political tensions. 2. Applying a double standard to Israel by requiring 86 behavior of Israel that is not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation, or focusing peace or human rights investigations only on Israel. 3. Delegitimizing Israel by denying the Jewish people 90 their right to self-determination and denying Israel the right to exist. However, criticism of Israel that is similar to criticism toward 94 any other country may not be regarded as anti-Semitic. | ||||
6 | 2 | 1/27/2020 | Maine | Joint resolution recognizing 75th Anniversary of Liberation of Auschwitz | WHEREAS, the working definition reads as follows: "Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities"; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED: That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Legislature now assembled in the Second Regular Session, on behalf of the people we represent, take this opportunity to recognize the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp and the working definition of antisemitism. | ||||
7 | 3 | 1/27/2020 | New Hampshire | Governor's Proclamation | Quotes IHRA definition but does not refer to comments | Declares IHR Day to mark 75th anniversary of liberation of Auschwitz | |||
8 | 4 | 1/27/2020 | Vermont | Executive Dept Proclamation | WHEREAS on this 75th anniversary we hereby recognize the non-legally binding "working definition" of anti-Semitism; and WHEREAS, the working definition reads as follows: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.” | ||||
9 | 5 | 3/1/2021 | Kentucky | 21 RS BR 1335 | WHEREAS, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance has published a working definition of anti-Semitism, and this definition has been adopted by many international and national organizations, including the United States State Department and United States Department of Education; and Section 3. This body acknowledges that anti-Semitism comes in many forms, and adopts the definition of anti-Semitism from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance: "Anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities." | "Unofficial copy" ... inferring year by number of bill. Date based on Times of Israel article. | |||
10 | 6 | 3/18/2021 | Rhode Island | Senate Resolution 2021 - S 0690 | WHEREAS, Anti-Semitism is not limited to historic forms of hatred or prejudice against the Jewish people on account of their religion or ethnicity, but includes new forms such as those outlined in the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s Working Definition of Antisemitism (IHRA Definition); and WHEREAS, The IHRA Definition is an accurate and helpful definition of anti-Semitism that has been adopted by scores of entities worldwide, including, but not limited to, governments, diverse and international religious leadership councils, international governing bodies, institutions of higher education, state departments, and more; and WHEREAS, History teaches that anti-Semitism cannot go unchecked if a pluralistic, democratic society is to prevail, and must be combatted through various means, including education, legal avenues, and state-sponsored awareness events and days; ... RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby calls on all levels of state and local government to adopt the IHRA Working Definition of Anti-Semitism, with examples, in 2021, in an effort to help lead the movement to combat the spread of anti-Semitism and further declares Anti16 Semitism Awareness Day a state-recognized event; and be it further ... | ||||
11 | 7 | 6/17/2021 | Texas | Legislation | Sec. 448.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) "Advisory commission" means the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission. (2) "Antisemitism" means a certain perception of Jews that may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. The term includes rhetorical and physical acts of antisemitism directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals or their property or toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities. Examples of antisemitism are included with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's "Working Definition of Antisemitism." | Jewish Herald-Voice (Houston) ... no link to the legislation ... "Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill into law on June 16 that formally adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which is widely used by the international community." According to Gemini AI: "While HB3257 doesn't directly adopt the IHRA definition in its text, it establishes the Texas Holocaust, Genocide and Anti-Semitism Advisory Commission. This commission, among other tasks, uses the IHRA definition as a guide in its work to combat antisemitism in the state." | |||
12 | 8 | 11/14/2021 | Montana | Governor's Proclamation | Shine a light week WHEREAS, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism has been an essential tool used to determine contemporary manifestations of antisemitism, and includes useful examples of discriminatory anti-Israel acts that can cross the line into antisemitism; and WHEREAS, on December 19, 2019, President Trump signed an executive order adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism for the purposes of government agencies tasked with enforcing Title VI; and WHEREAS, use of this definition of antisemitism, though it is not to be taken as an exhaustive definition, will increase awareness and understanding of the parameters of contemporary anti-Jewish discrimination in circumscribed areas. | Not dated; date based on two weeks before start of "Shine a Light Week" (11/28/2021) | |||
13 | 9 | 11/22/2021 | Connecticut | Official Statement of Governor | Same language as Alabama (see above); date based on date of JFed Hartford web page (see comment) | Part of "shine a light week" statement ... no date on document see JFed Hartford webpage | |||
14 | 10 | 1/5/2022 | Alabama | Proclamation of International Holocaust Remembrance Day by Governor | WHEREAS, use of this definition of antisemitism, although it is not to be taken as an exhaustive definition, will increase awareness and understanding of the parameters of contemporary anti-Jewish discrimination in certain circumscribed areas | ||||
15 | 11 | 1/5/2022 | Nevada | Governor's Proclamation | WHEREAS, while there can be no exhaustive definition of Antisemitism, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of Antisemitism has been an essential definitional tool used to determine contemporary manifestations of antisemitism, and includes useful examples of discriminatory anti-Israel acts that can cross the line into antisemitism; WHEREAS, use of this definition of Antisemitism, although it is not to be taken as an exhaustive definition, will increase awareness and undertaking of the parameters of contemporary anti-Jewish discrimination in certain circumscribed areas | ||||
16 | 12 | 1/15/2022 | Virginia | Executive Order #8 (2022) NOTE: does not specifically refer to IHRA definition | I hereby establish the Commission to Combat Antisemitism (Commission). The purpose of this Commission is to study antisemitism in the Commonwealth, propose actions to combat antisemitism and reduce the number of antisemitic incidents, as well as compile materials and provide assistance to Virginia’s public school system and state institutions of higher education in relation to antisemitism and its connection to the Holocaust. | The Commission will meet upon the call of the Chair(s) and will issue an interim report with its findings and recommendations no later than December 1, 2022, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, and any additional reports and recommendations as necessary or as requested by the Governor. This report may also include a proposed framework for the continuation of the Commission’s work. The Commission’s findings and recommendations will be distributed to promote best practices across the Commonwealth. | |||
17 | 13 | 01/19/2022 | West Virginia | Governor's Proclamation | Whereas, while there can be no exhaustive definition of antisemitism, as it can take many forms, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism, including its associated examples, has been an essential definitional tool used to determine contemporary manifestations of antisemitism, and includes useful examples of discriminatory anti-Israel acts that can cross the line into antisemitism; and Also notes that President Trump signed executive order on 12/19/2019 "adopting IHRA definition ... for the purposes of enforcement under Title VI by agencies" | Proclaims 1/27/2022 as IHR Day | |||
18 | 14 | 1/25/2022 | Tennessee | Governor Proclamation | Notes IHRA "working definition" but does not say it is embraced or followed ... simply declares 1/27/2022 as HR Day | ||||
19 | 15 | 1/27/2022 | Idaho | Proclamation of International Holocaust Remembrance Day by Governor | WHEREAS, on December 19, 2019, President Donald Trump signed an executive order adopting the IHRA de/inition of antisemitismfor the purposes of government agencies tasked with enforcing Title VI; and WHEREAS, use of this definition of antisemitism, although it is not to be taken as an exhaustive definition, will increase aworeness and understanding of the parameters of contemporary anti-Jewish discrimination in certain circumscribed areas | ||||
20 | 16 | 1/27/2022 | Oklahoma | Press release | Governor Stitt Issues “Never Again” Proclamation on Holocaust Remembrance Day The proclamation reads, in part: “NOW, THEREFORE, I, J. Kevin Stitt, Governor, hereby proclaim that we the people of the State of Oklahoma recommit ourselves to the promise that Never Again can such a tragedy occur by remembering the victims of the Holocaust, teaching our children about this tragedy and using the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism as a tool for identifying and speaking out against antisemitism.” | Link to full proclamation is broken | |||
21 | 17 | 1/27/2022 | Utah | Governor Declaration | Facebook post ... does not expressly adopt IHRA definition | More about importance of remembering the Holocaust ... lots of negative comments to post (weird) | |||
22 | 18 | 2/18/2022 | Massachusetts | Governor's Proclamation | Whereas, An essential tool in combating antisemitism is the abifity to define antisemitism in each of its multiple forms; and Whereas, The IHRA Working Definition provides a clear, comprehensive, and non-legally binding definition that can be used to determine contemporary manifestations of antisemitism including Holocaust distortion or denial, prejudices against Jews, and the denial of Israels right to exist ... MASSACHUSETTS ENDORSES THE WORKNG DEFINITION OF ANTISEMITIS ... and urge all citizens of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this definition | ||||
23 | 19 | 3/23/2022 | Iowa | House File 2220, an Act relating to antisemitism in the State of Iowa. | 216F.1 Definition. For purposes of this chapter, "antisemitism" means the working definition of antisemitism adopted by the international holocaust remembrance alliance on May 26, 2016, and includes the contemporary examples of antisemitism identified by the international holocaust remembrance alliance. | Date is "signed by governor" | |||
24 | 20 | 3/30/2022 | Kansas | House Concurrent Resolution No. 5030 | WHEREAS, The IHRA's Working Definition of Antisemitism includes eleven examples of contemporary antisemitism that capture some of the many ways antisemitism manifests itself, whether in public life, media, schools, the workplace or the religious sphere; and WHEREAS, The IHRA's Working Definition of Antisemitism has become the internationally recognized and authoritative definition used by governments, international organizations and educational institutions; and WHEREAS, The IHRA's Working Definition of Antisemitism is utilized by numerous government and law enforcement agencies, including the United States Department of State and the United States Department of Education, in monitoring, training and education; and WHEREAS, The IHRA's Working Definition of Antisemitism has been adopted through legislative or executive action in an increasing number of U.S. states: Now, therefore, Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Kansas, the Senate concurring therein: The state of Kansas adopts the non-legally binding International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Working Definition of Antisemitism, including the 11 contemporary examples; and Be it further resolved: The Kansas Department of Administration shall ensure that the IHRA's Working Definition of Antisemitism is made available as an educational resource for all state agencies; | "A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION recognizing the growing problem of antisemitism in the United States and calling for the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Working Definition of Antisemitism as an important tool to address the problem." Date based on legislative history (see source). | |||
25 | 21 | 4/14/2022 | Ohio | Governor's Proclamation | WHEREAS, in the United States, the IHRA Working Definition is utilized by various government and law enforcement agencies in monitoring, training, and education, including the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike DeWine, Governor of the State of Ohio, order all state agencies, departments, boards, and commissions, including all public colleges and universities to adopt the above-referenced THRA definition of antisemitism or an appropriate alternative definition and to encourage all federal and local governments and governmental agencies and entities to adopt it as well. In reviewing, investigating, or deciding whether there has been a violation of any policy, or regulation prohibiting discriminatory acts as outlined in Executive Order 2019-05D, all State agencies, departments, boards, and commissions shall take into consideration the definition of antisemitism set forth above for purposes of determining whether the alleged act was motivated by discriminatory antisemitic intent. This Executive Order augments Executive Order 20l9-05D “Anti-Discrimination Policy in State Government” by providing for a clearer definition of antisemitic acts. It continues to be the policy of my Administration to prohibit unlawful and inappropriate discriminatory practices in State government and to ensure that all State government employees have employment opportunities based upon their talent, skill, dedication, merit, and fitness for the job. | ||||
26 | 22 | 4/20/2022 | Arizona | Jerusalem Post article: "Arizona adopts IHRA definition of antisemitism" | The state of Arizona voted to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s Working Definition of Antisemitism on Tuesday. The Arizona Holocaust education bill was supposed to be passed a year ago, after years in the works, but it was stalled by Arizona State Sen. Paul Boyer since it did not include the IHRA definition for antisemitism. | ||||
27 | 23 | 4/28/2022 | Alaska | Times of Israel article: "Alaska said to become 25th state to adopt IHRA definition of antisemitism" | Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy announces that his state will be adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, becoming the 25th state to do so, the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations says in a statement. | ||||
28 | 24 | 5/5//2022 | Nebraska | Governor's Proclamation Facebook video of May 5, 2002 press conference (proclaiming May to be Jewish-American Heritage Month) | 11/22/2023 proclamation "reaffirms" - state's adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism - directs all state code agencies charged with enforcing non-discrimination laws utilize IHRA when investigating complaints of antisemitic harassment and discrimination to the extent consistent with Nebraska and federal law. | Jerusalem Post article says ... Nebraska is ... "the 27th state to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism" Last Thursday, on Israel’s Independence Day, during a celebratory event at the Nebraska Capitol Building, Gov. Pete Ricketts made the historic decision to inaugurate May as Jewish American Heritage Month in Nebraska, becoming the first US state to do so. He also proclaimed the official adoption by the State of Nebraska of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Working Definition of Antisemitism. In doing so, the number of US states that have adopted or endorsed the IHRA definition is now 26 (plus the District of Columbia), meaning that the majority of states now officially recognize it. | |||
29 | 25 | 6/12/2022 | New York | Governor's Proclamation | Whereas, the use of this definition of antisemitism, although it is not to be taken as an exhaustive definition, will increase culturally responsible awareness and understanding of the parameters of a contemporary anti-discrimination tool; and Whereas, this working definition has been adopted by numerous government entities and municipalities as well as the US Department of State; Now, Therefore, be it Proclaimed, as Governor of the State of New York my administration believes the IHRA working definition of antisemitism is a vital resource in the struggle against antisemitism, and that it will facilitate constructive discourse, further understanding, and enable a more thoughtful response to this harmful behavior that impacts us all. | ||||
30 | 26 | 6/28/2022 | Louisiana | SLS 22RS-4437 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 202 | A RESOLUTION To recognize the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's Working Definition of Antisemitism, including the eleven contemporary examples, and endorse the use of the working definition as a framework to identify discrimination rooted in antisemitism and for discussions to address such discrimination. WHEREAS, IHRA's working definition can assist in countering antisemitism and hate through engagement with community leaders, governmental transparency, and public information-sharing regarding efforts to fight antisemitism and the investigation and prosecution of those who commit criminal acts, consistent with civil liberties protections. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby recognizes the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's Working Definition of Antisemitism, including the eleven contemporary examples, and endorses the use of the working definition as a framework to identify discrimination rooted in antisemitism and for discussions to address such discrimination. | Date not specfied. Unclear if passed. One of "718 resolutions and study requests" in the 2022 session (see this link, slide # 2). Date based on "session wrapped date" on 2022 session. | |||
31 | 27 | 8/11/22 | New Mexico | Jerusalem Post article | New Mexico is the first state to integrate the IHRA definition into law via executive order, and the sixth state overall to incorporate it into law. Florida, South Carolina, Iowa, Arizona and Tennessee enacted laws using the definition through legislation. “All State agencies within the Executive Department of the State of New Mexico shall adopt and use the IHRA’s Working Definition of Antisemitism, including its contemporary examples,” the executive order stated. | Reported as "last Thursday" in 8/16/2022 article ... The Israeli-American Coalition for Action (IAC for Action) applauded Grisham for her “groundbreaking executive order.” Evenhaim also thanked the organization StandWithUs “for their leading role in resourcing the governor with this effective policy model, which we expect to see utilized by governors and legislatures all around the country.” Together with StandWithUs and legal experts, IAC for Action helped lead the development of this legislative model and helped implement its adoption in Florida, Iowa, South Carolina, Arizona and Tennessee. | |||
32 | 28 | 1/31/2023 | Arkansas | Arkansas Senate bill 118 | 16-123-502. Definitions. As used in this subchapter: (1)(A) "Antisemitism" means the same as defined by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance on May 26, 2016, and includes the contemporary examples of antisemitism identified by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, as existing on January 1, 2023. (B) "Antisemitism" does not include criticism of Israel that is similar to criticism against any other country; | ||||
33 | 29 | 1/31/2024 | Georgia | Legislation - House Bll 30 | To amend Chapter 1 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to state government, so as to require certain agencies to consider the definition of antisemitism provided for in this Act in the enforcement of laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin; (2) 'Definition of antisemitism' has the same meaning as provided for in the working definition of antisemitism and the contemporary examples of antisemitism adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) on May 26, 2016, and incorporated by reference in Presidential Executive Order Number 13899, 84 F.R. 68779 December 11, 2019. | Times of Israel article (4/21/2024)) | |||
34 | 30 | 3/7/2024 | South Dakota | Legislation (2024-HB1076) | ENACTED That chapter 20-13 be amended with a NEW SECTION: In reviewing, investigating, or deciding whether an alleged violation of this chapter is antisemitic, the Division of Human Rights must consider the definition of antisemitism. For the purposes of this chapter, the term "antisemitism" has the same meaning as the working definition of antisemitism adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance on May 26, 2016, including the contemporary examples of antisemitism identified therein. Nothing in this section may be construed to diminish or infringe upon any protected right under U.S. Const., amend. I or S.D. Const., Art. VI, § 5, or to conflict with any federal, state, or local discrimination law. | An Act to require the consideration of the definition of antisemitism when investigating unfair or discriminatory practices. | |||
35 | 31 | 4/18/2024 | South Carolina | Legislation to amend Title 1 - Administration of the Government CHAPTER 13 (State Human Affairs Commission) | Chapter 13, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding: "Section 1-13-83. (A) For purposes of this section, the term 'definition of anti-Semitism': (1) includes the definition of anti-Semitism adopted on May 26, 2016, by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, which has been adopted by the United States Department of State; (2) includes contemporary examples of anti-Semitism identified by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance; and (3) does not include criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country. | STATE Link is to Jerusalem Post article; indicates bill has passed state senate and passed HR in May 2023 and that "governor has expressed his support for the bill) ... enactment requires governor's approval Bill was first introduced in 2019-2020 legislative session and noted as taking effect "upon approval by the Governor." Governor does not appear to have acted on it until this year. |