Indiana governor vetoes HB 1002

Although the Indiana Senate unanimously passed House Bill 1002 – a bill that defines antisemitism as religious discrimination in the state education code – following an amendment of the original version that removes any reference to the IHRA’s definition of antisemitism, which includes wording pertaining to Israel, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb vetoed the bill. RELATED: Indiana’s HB 1002: Addressing antisemitism or silencing free speech? The amendment followed protests over the bill and its inclusion of the IHRA’s definition of antisemitism, which some argued would be harmful to students in support of Palestine. “While a proclamation is not legally binding, we will continue to monitor free speech concerns across the state to prevent any misinterpretation or encroachment on constitutional rights,” said Maliha Zafar, Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network (IMAN) executive director. “As religious minorities, we understand the impact of hate and stand in unwavering solidarity with the Jewish community in combating antisemitism. We will persist in our endeavors to safeguard free expression in educational institutions across Indiana and ensure the protection of our Muslim students.” IMAN expressed disappointment over Holcomb’s decision to veto HB 1002. In a statement to the Indianapolis Recorder, the organization said this action overlooks the bipartisan effort between...