On Wednesday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced that he would be signing HB 30 into law, which is legislation that legally defines antisemitism for the first time in the state.
The bill comes a few months after the attack on Israel by the Hamas terrorist organization that led to widespread antisemitic protests across the world.
In a speech announcing the signing of the legislation, Kemp said, in part:
Good afternoon and thank you all for joining us as we sign this historic piece of legislation.
Nearly four years ago, I stood in this exact spot and signed House Bill 426, which was a significant piece of Hate Crime legislation passed following the tragic murder of Ahmaud Arbery.
I said then that the legislation did not right every wrong, but it was an important step.
Today, it is an honor to stand with each of you – legislators, community leaders, and fellow Georgians – as we take another step on that path, reaffirming our commitment to a Georgia where all people can live, learn, and prosper in safety. Because there is no place for hate in our state….
There has been a troubling rise in antisemitism across our nation in recent years, especially following the horrific terrorist attacks in Isarel on October 7 that claimed the lives of over 1,200 Israelis.
These acts of hatred have taken on many forms, including harassment, intimidation, and even violence.
Georgia has not been immune to that horrible reality.
Our Jewish citizens have experienced hate in the form of antisemitic flyers spread across neighborhoods, messages on social media calling for the death of Jews in Israel and around the world and even hateful gatherings outside synagogues.
So, we are all thankful for the perseverance and dedication shown in getting this bill across the finish line as we work together to send a clear, unified message.
In Georgia, we proudly stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters – today, and everyday!
With that, I’ll now sign HB 30 into law.
