Say NO to HB 30

Say NO to HB 30: A bill that Weaponizes Antisemitism to Suppress Advocacy for Palestine

In the name of advocating against antisemitism, HB 30 weaponizes the definition of antisemitism in ways that violate the First Amendment right to free speech and silences critiques of Israel's human rights violations.

HB 30 will provide a definition of antisemitism in Georgia law which can be applied in both criminal and civil context to determine whether alleged acts were motivated by antisemitic intent. The language in this bill is vague and opens the door for Georgians to be found in violation of agency regulations or to be prosecuted for voicing their opinions on Israel's human rights violations and the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza even when a hateful act is not committed. The IHRA definition of antisemitism cited in this bill includes examples that conflate criticism of the state of Israel with antisemitism. This bill threatens Georgians' first amendment right to free speech – particularly Palestinian Georgians'– and will infringe upon people's right to criticize foreign governments and discuss international relations. For example, since Georgia Tech's recent adoption of the IHRA definition, there has been a chilling* effect on students and organizations who oppose Israel's human rights abuses and its occupation of Palestine.

We are committed to protecting all communities in our state including, of course, our Jewish communities across Georgia. However, this bill does not better protect our Jewish communities. Instead, this bill focuses on codifying blanket protections for the state of Israel into Georgia state law. We remain steadfastly opposed to all forms of racism and discrimination and ensure that our right to free speech is protected.

*The chilling effect is the concept of deterring free speech and association rights protected by the First Amendment as a result of government laws or actions that appear to target expression. (MTSU)

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Please Veto HB 30

Dear Governor Kemp,

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As an engaged Georgia resident, I am urging you to veto HB30. HB 30 will provide a definition of antisemitism in Georgia law which can be applied in both criminal and civil contexts to determine whether alleged acts were motivated by antisemitic intent.

The language in this bill is vague and opens the door for Georgians to be found in violation of agency regulations or to be prosecuted for voicing their opinions on Israel’s human rights violations and the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza even when a hateful act is not committed. The IHRA definition of antisemitism cited in this bill includes examples that conflate criticism of the state of Israel with antisemitism. This bill threatens Georgians' First Amendment right to free speech – particularly Palestinian Georgians'– and will infringe upon people’s right to criticize foreign governments and discuss international relations. For example, since Georgia Tech's recent adoption of the IHRA definition, there has been a chilling effect on students and organizations who oppose Israel's human rights abuses and its occupation of Palestine.

I urge you to Veto HB 30 –we cannot place blanket protections on the state of Israel or any foreign government at the expense of Georgians’ right to free and public speech.

I am following this bill very closely, and paying attention to the positions, actions, and leadership you take.

Sincerely, [Your information here]