Written by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on Monday signed legislation that places an official definition of antisemitism into state law, which supporters say could help law enforcement determine whether someone should be charged under current hate crime prohibitions based on race, religion or nationality.

The measure came to Cooper’s desk after the Senate and House approved it in near-unanimous votes last week. The bipartisan backing followed recent heated nationwide campus protests over the Israel-Hamas War and supporters’ concerns that some comments by pro-Palestinian demonstrators had crossed the line into being antisemitic.

The act adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, which is outlined as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.” It also includes several examples of antisemitism, such as the denial of Jewish people’s right to self-determination and applying double standards to Israel’s actions.

In a statement Monday, Cooper said the now-enacted “SHALOM Act” addresses rising antisemitism.

“While we protect the right to free speech, this legislation helps to make our state a more welcoming, inclusive and safe place for everyone,” the Democratic governor said.

A coalition of civil liberties and multifaith groups opposed the legislation, saying it could stifle protesters’ otherwise free speech, particularly of words critical of Israel. Opponents demonstrated outside the governor’s mansion late last week urging that he veto the bill.

As of Monday afternoon, Cooper still had more than 20 bills on his desk sent to him by the General Assembly before lawmakers wrapped up their primary work session for the year. Cooper has a 10-day window on each bill to sign them into law or veto them. A bill becomes law if he takes no action within 10 days.

 

Featured photo via AP Photo/Bryan Anderson.

 

Related Stories
‹
North Carolina May Join Other States in Codifying Antisemitism Definition
Written by MAKIYA SEMINERA and GARY D. ROBERTSON A bill seeking to officially define antisemitism in state law swiftly moved through the North Carolina House on Wednesday amid heated nationwide campus protests over the Israel-Hamas War. A nearly unanimous House passed the SHALOM Act, a week after the U.S. House voted to codify the same antisemitism definition […]
North Carolina’s Restrictions on Public Mask-Wearing Are Now Law After Some Key Revisions
Written by MAKIYA SEMINERA North Carolina’s contentious restrictions on public mask-wearing became law on Thursday after GOP lawmakers successfully overrode a veto by the state’s Democratic governor. The Senate gave its final stamp of approval in a 30-14 override vote along party lines. The state House initiated the process Wednesday when it voted to override Gov. […]
North Carolina Lawmakers Approve Mask Bill That Allows Health Exemption After Pushback
The amended bill still increases punishments for people wearing masks while committing a crime, but was re-worked to consider health risks.
'Lawless Nonsense': NC Republicans React to UNC Protests, Police Responses
Republican leaders from North Carolina shared reactions to scenes from UNC campus, where a protest turned into the removal of a U.S. flag.
Pro-Palestinian Protests Sweep US College Campuses Following Mass Arrests at Columbia
Some of the most prestigious U.S. universities on Monday sought to defuse campus tensions over Israel’s war with Hamas.
North Carolina Governor Vetoes Another Set of Bills, Including One on Guns in Private Schools
Gov. Josh Stein cleared his desk Wednesday of bills passed to him from the North Carolina General Assembly last month, vetoing three.
North Carolina Governor Vetoes Anti-DEI and Transgender Rights Bills, Calling Them ‘Mean-Spirited'
North Carolina Democratic Gov. Josh Stein vetoed on Thursday three anti-DEI bills and another measure that in part would target transgender rights.
North Carolina Gov. Stein Vetoes Bill Repealing Interim Greenhouse Gas Reduction Mandate
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein vetoed legislation Wednesday that in part would repeal an interim greenhouse gas reduction mandate set for Duke Energy's power generation.
North Carolina Legislature Leaves After Passing Helene Aid Package, But Still No Budget
The North Carolina legislature wrapped up the chief portion of its annual session Thursday, passing another Hurricane Helene aid package this week after Republican majorities pushed through divisive bills.
In Line With Trump, North Carolina Legislature Takes Aim at Transgender Rights
Legislation much in line with President Donald Trump's political agenda on transgender rights squeezed through the North Carolina Senate this week.
›