LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — A new bill in Lansing would label antisemitism as a form of illegal discrimination under Michigan law and add “ethnicity” as a protected category under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.

Rep. Noah Arbit (D-West Bloomfield) introduced the proposal on June 3, arguing that existing religious protections do not go far enough. His bill would define antisemitism in state law and apply it to schools, universities, and the workplace.

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“You can’t fight something that you can’t identify,” Arbit said during a Capitol press conference. “If we have this tool in law, I believe we will strengthen our ability to fight it.”

Under the bill, antisemitism includes hatred of Jews, justification of violence under a “radical ideology,” and “rhetorical, violent or physical” acts targeting Jews or Jewish institutions. Antisemitic stereotypes are also named in the definition.

The bill would not affect constitutionally protected speech or criminal conduct, which are covered by other laws. Arbit called the legislation a start, not a “cure-all.”

Joining Arbit were Rep. Samantha Steckloff ( D-Farmington Hills) and Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield). All three are Jewish and said they’ve received threats since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks and the start of the Israel-Hamas war. 

The bill has not yet been assigned to committee.