There’s a wave of new bills to define antisemitism. In these 3 states, they could become law

By GEOFF MULVIHILL
Associated Press

Lawmakers in more than a half-dozen U.S. states are pushing laws to define antisemitism, triggering debates about free speech and bringing complicated world politics into statehouses. The definition lays out standards for determining in which instances criticism of Israel amounts to antisemitism. But some, including an author of the definition, say they don’t think it should be adopted into law. Measures have cleared at least one legislative chamber this year in Georgia, Indiana and South Dakota and have been introduced in at least five other states. Advocates say the definition is needed because of rising hatred directed at Jewish residents.