• Bill faces pushback from free speech groups, interfaith coalitions, and over 100 Jewish Ohio residents who signed opposition letters.

ANKARA

A proposed bill in US state of Ohio is drawing controversy, including from an army veteran, for adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which critics say could criminalize some protests and criticisms of Israel.

Josephine Guilbeau, a 17-year US Army veteran and former intelligence officer, strongly opposed the legislation during her testimony before the Ohio Senate Judiciary Committee.

She said: “Under this bill, anyone, even Jews speaking against Zionist actions, could be criminalized.”

Guilbeau warned that passage of the bill would endanger freedoms in the US, adding: “No law you enact can silence believers. No law can erase the word 'God' from our hearts.”

The bill would adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism into Ohio law.

Critics argue it could equate criticism of Israeli policies including accusations of genocide in Palestine with antisemitism, potentially chilling free speech, protests, and academic discussion.

The bill directs state agencies to use this definition in discrimination cases and broadens ethnic intimidation laws.

This is an Ohio-specific measure, not a nationwide law. Over 35 other states have adopted or recognized the IHRA definition in various forms, often for education or anti-discrimination purposes.

The proposal has faced pushback from free speech groups, interfaith coalitions, and over 100 Jewish Ohio residents who signed letters opposing it.

Supporters say it helps combat rising antisemitism. The bill remains in committee.

*Writing by Selcuk Uysal