The bill amends Chapter 28-5 of the General Laws, titled "Fair Employment Practices," by adding a new section, 28-5-7.5, which specifically addresses antisemitic discrimination. It defines "antisemitism" according to the working definition adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) on May 26, 2016, and incorporates it into the framework for evaluating discriminatory practices based on race, religion, and country of ancestral origin. The bill mandates that government entities consider this definition when reviewing, investigating, or determining whether there has been a violation of any relevant policy, law, or rule prohibiting discriminatory acts, ensuring that claims of antisemitism are treated with the same legal standards as other civil rights discrimination claims.
Additionally, the bill stipulates that the definition of antisemitism will be utilized in the training of state personnel related to discrimination and anti-bias measures. It also clarifies that nothing in this section shall be construed to diminish or infringe upon any rights protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or the Rhode Island Constitution, nor shall it conflict with federal law or state law concerning discrimination. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.