Join CAIR-Ohio in calling on Ohio House lawmakers to vote against the anti-Free Speech Bill. Representatives Hall and Seitz have introduced a bill that includes an amendment that would criminalize certain acts under an expanded definition of antisemitism. While addressing hate is critical, this legislation conflates legitimate criticism of Israel with antisemitism, threatening free speech and political advocacy for Palestinian rights.
SEE: CAIR-Ohio Urges Lawmakers to Reject Senate Bill 297
The bill includes the controversial IHRA definition of antisemitism, criticized for suppressing constitutionally protected expression. It risks discriminatory enforcement and fails to address rising Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism, instead narrowing the focus to silence criticism of Israel.
Executive Director of CAIR-Cleveland & North, Faten Husni Odeh, stated:
“While we support efforts to combat antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian racism and other forms of hate, this bill as drafted wrongly conflates legitimate criticism of the Israeli government, its actions and its founding ideology with antisemitism. Conflating criticism of the Israeli government with antisemitism undermines fundamental constitutional rights, threatens protected political expression, and risks discriminatory enforcement.”
“Restricting our First Amendment right to free speech is unacceptable, and using antisemitism as a pretext to silence criticism of Israel is insulting,” said Khalid Turaani, Executive Director, CAIR-OH, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton
BACKGROUNDER:
The use of the controversial IHRA working definition of antisemitism risks infringing on First Amendment rights by potentially labeling protected political expression—such as advocacy for Palestinian rights or criticism of Israeli policies—as antisemitic.
Earlier this year, the author of the definition publicly expressed his concern about its use by governments: “I wrote a definition of antisemitism. It was never meant to be used to chill free speech on campus.” (Boston Globe) This lack of clear, objective criteria invites inconsistent enforcement and subjective interpretations, which could suppress legitimate activism and disproportionately harm those who advocate for Palestinian human rights.
Furthermore, this narrow focus on silencing criticism of the Israeli government under the guise of fighting antisemitism neglects the broader need to combat all forms of hate and discrimination, including real antisemitism, rising Islamophobia, and anti-Palestinian racism. Rather than adopting a contentious and ambiguous definition, we urge legislators to consider strengthening existing hate crime laws, expanding public education initiatives, and fostering dialogue to address antisemitism, anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, and other forms of bigotry holistically and equitably.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-OH Executive Director, Cleveland & Northern Ohio, Faten Odeh (216) 440-2247, fodeh@cair.com; , Khalid Turaani, Executive Director, CAIR-OH, Columbus | Cincinnati | Dayton, (614) 401-6692, kturaani@cair.com