Michigan Lawmakers Push to Broaden Civil Rights Law to Combat Antisemitism
In response to a surge in antisemitic acts across the United States, Democratic legislators in Michigan are advocating for a significant amendment to the state’s civil rights statute. The proposed change is a reaction to recent violent incidents characterized as antisemitic in places like Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C.
The proposed legislation seeks to incorporate “ethnicity” into the list of protected classes under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. This list already covers aspects such as religion, race, and national origin, among others.
Advocates for the bill argue that the recent uptick in violence against Jewish communities, some of which has been publicly described as reactions to Israeli actions in Gaza, underscores the urgent need for explicit protection against antisemitism in civil rights legislation.
According to an annual report by the American Jewish Committee, about one-third of Jews in the United States have experienced antisemitism. Additionally, the Anti-Defamation League noted an unprecedented rise in antisemitic incidents last year, as reported by the BBC.
Senator Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) emphasized the seriousness of the issue, stating to Michigan Public Radio, “There is a tremendous conflict going on that has evoked a lot of emotions, but when Jews here are subject to harassment, intimidation and incitement of violence, that is antisemitic. Jews should be able to be safe in this country where they stand.”
Representative Noah Arbit (D-West Bloomfield), who is leading the legislative effort, highlighted the resurgence of the “collective guilt” stereotype, a longstanding antisemitic narrative. He remarked, “The idea of collective responsibility, collective punishment, used to be thought of as racist. Now, suddenly, all American Jews — and frequently not just American Jews, but Jews in France, Jews in the U.K., Canada — are being held collectively responsible for the actions — right or wrong, agree or disagree — of the government of the state of Israel.”
The complexity of the issue is further compounded by a United Nations report which found Israel’s military actions in Gaza to align with genocide characteristics.
Within the Jewish community in the U.S., there is a division regarding Israel’s military operations in Gaza, especially in light of a recent attack by Hamas that resulted in the deaths of over 1,100 Israelis.
Arbit criticized political figures across the spectrum for their inadequate response to the growing tide of antisemitism. He asserted that enhancing civil rights protections would demonstrate a serious commitment by public officials to address this rising threat.
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