Requiring consideration of anti-Semitism by governmental entities when investigating possible discriminatory acts

This bill requires a governmental entity reviewing, investigating, or deciding whether there has been a violation of any law, rule, or policy prohibiting discriminatory acts to take into consideration the definition of anti-Semitism set forth in the bill for purposes of determining whether an alleged act was motivated by discriminatory anti-Semitic intent. The bill defines “anti-Semitism” as the definition of anti-Semitism adopted on May 26, 2016, by the international holocaust remembrance alliance (“IHRA”), including the contemporary examples of anti-Semitism accompanying such definition. “Anti-Semitism” does not include criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country. The IHRA definition provides: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities”. The IHRA definition includes contemporary examples of anti-Semitism, including calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or an extremist view of religion. The bill shall not be construed to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the Constitution of the State of Iowa or the first amendment to the Constitution of the United States and shall not be construed to conflict with local, state, or federal discrimination laws.