Raleigh, North Carolina — RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on Monday signed a bill that puts an official definition of anti-Semitism into state law, in a move that supporters say could help law enforcement decide whether to charge someone under existing hate crimes laws based on race, religion or national origin.
The bill reached Cooper's desk after passing the House and Senate nearly unanimously last week. The bipartisan support came after recent violent protests on college campuses across the country over the Israeli-Hamas war and supporters' concerns that rhetoric by some pro-Palestinian demonstrators has veered into anti-Semitism.
The law adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of anti-Semitism, which it outlines as “a particular perception of Jewish people that may be expressed as hatred toward them.” It also includes several examples of anti-Semitism, such as the denial of the Jewish people's right to self-determination and the application of double standards to Israel's actions.
Cooper said in a statement Monday that “Shalom Law” as currently enacted is a response to rising anti-Semitism.
“We protect the right to free speech, but this legislation will help make our state a more welcoming, inclusive and safe place for everyone,” the Democratic governor said.
A coalition of civil liberties and interfaith groups opposed the bill, saying it could stifle protesters' otherwise free speech, especially speech critical of Israel. Opponents demonstrated outside the governor's mansion last weekend, calling for the bill to be rejected.
As of Monday afternoon, Cooper had more than 20 bills on his desk that had been sent by the Legislature before lawmakers wrapped up their main work session for the fiscal year. Cooper has 10 days to sign each bill into law or veto it. If he takes no action within the 10 days, the bill becomes law.
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