Georgia passes bill enhancing legal protections against anti-semitism

House Bill 30 aims to clearly define anti-semitism in state hate crime laws

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A new bill passed Thursday in the Georgia State House of Representatives is aimed at giving Jews more legal protections against hate crimes.

Originally proposed last year, House Bill 30 will now clearly define anti-semitism within state hate crime legislation.

Rabbi of Temple Beth Israel in Macon, Elizabeth Bahar, was in support of the bill. She explained that the bill was necessary because of how diverse Jews are as a religious, ethnic and cultural group.

“We needed something that would functionally help define anti-semitism in a unique way for law enforcement officials and government agencies to appropriately enforce Georgia regulations,” Bahar said.

According to the Anti Defamation League, reports of antisemitic incidents have risen nearly 400% within the past year.

Bahar says she hopes the new legislation will help demonstrate that anti-semitic behavior is unacceptable.