On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed an Act that some of those who voted against it have called “unconstitutional,” that it attacks “free speech” and that it would even prevent people from quoting certain passages in The Bible should it become law.
The Antisemitism Awareness Act was passed in the House by a vote of 320-91, with 70 Democrats and 21 Republicans voting against it.
One of the Republicans who voted against it and voiced the concerns mentioned at the top is Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.).
Gaetz took to X to post his concerns, along with examples, of why the bill is troublesome.
“Antisemitism is wrong, but this legislation is written without regard for the Constitution, common sense, or even the common understanding of the meaning of words,” Gaetz wrote. “The Gospel itself would meet the definition of antisemitism under the terms of this bill!”
According to the bill, the definition of antisemitism would come from terms determined by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). One of the “working” definitions put forth in this bill, based on IHRA terms, is “Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.”
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Gaetz then provided a screenshot of three separate Bible verses that would essentially violate this bill if it’s passed and signed into law — Acts 4:10, 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 and Acts 3:14-15.
You can see the specific words in the aforementioned verses below:
This evening, I will vote AGAINST the ridiculous hate speech bill called the “Antisemitism Awareness Act.”
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) May 1, 2024
Antisemitism is wrong, but this legislation is written without regard for the Constitution, common sense, or even the common understanding of the meaning of words. The… pic.twitter.com/HYg2LJDLAI
So? Does this bill violate the Constitution, specifically the First Amendment right to free speech? Is Gaetz correct? Think for yourselves and come to your own conclusion.
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