Attorney General Todd Rokita has voiced his support for an antisemitism bill initially passed by the Indiana House of Representatives. The measure, however, was altered by an Indiana Senate committee, removing key components.
"By overwhelming margins, Hoosiers stand with Israel and the Jewish people," stated Attorney General Rokita. "That means explicitly endorsing, in its entirety, the language and perspective of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). If we distance ourselves from the IHRA’s definition of antisemitism, we will be left with a law that is watered down and weak."
The original bill aimed to provide a uniform definition to raise awareness about anti-Jewish discrimination and ensure predictable enforcement in educational institutions. The Senate's revisions removed language condemning calls for Israel's destruction.
"We must do better," Attorney General Rokita emphasized. "The only way to fix this is to pass this Senate version, which was made toothless, so the House can make it correct again in conference committee. Anything less than that is a betrayal of Jewish individuals and the whole notion of equal protection under the law."
The bill seeks to define antisemitism as discrimination based on religion. A study by the Anti-Defamation League revealed that 73% of Jewish college students have faced or witnessed antisemitism since this school year began. This situation, along with recent attacks on Israel on October 7, has prompted legislative action.
Attorney General Rokita has consistently supported measures to protect those of Jewish faith throughout his career as Secretary of State, Member of Congress, and now as Indiana’s Attorney General.