This bill amends the Civil Rights Act of 1990 to define anti-Semitism for use by the state human affairs commission in investigating discrimination complaints and by the commission against prejudice and bias in defining hate crimes. The definition of anti-Semitism aligns with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition adopted on May 26, 2016, and includes contemporary examples identified by the IHRA. The bill clarifies that criticism of Israel, when similar to that directed at other countries, does not constitute anti-Semitism.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that nothing in this section shall diminish or infringe upon rights protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or Article I of the Rhode Island State Constitution, nor conflict with federal or state discrimination laws. It mandates that in reviewing or investigating instances of discrimination, state officials and agencies must consider the defined parameters of anti-Semitism to determine if the discrimination was motivated by anti-Semitic intent. Additionally, it defines a discriminatory act to include any harassing conduct that is severe, pervasive, or persistent enough to interfere with a victim's ability to participate in or benefit from services, activities, opportunities, or privileges. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
297: 42-112-1