A bill defining antisemitism in the state of Georgia received a standing ovation as it passed in a state Senate vote Thursday, before passing in the state House hours later.
House Bill 30, which was first introduced in 2023, will now be sent to Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk to be signed into law.
The bill calls for Georgia to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, but notably, the definition itself does not appear in the text of the bill.
The organization currently defines antisemitism as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.” The definition also includes “rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism” that are directed at individuals, property and Jewish religious and community institutions. HB30 failed to pass last year after a controversial amendment that would put Georgia’s definition out of alignment with other governing bodies in the U.S. was added to the measure.
Antisemitism is quickly becoming a critical issue in the Georgia legislature, with the House voting to pass a resolution condemning antisemitism and declaring support for Israel in December.