Internet hails Matt Gaetz as he slams 'ridiculous hate speech bill' aimed at antisemitism in colleges

WASHINGTON, DC: The House antisemitism bill was dubbed a 'ridiculous hate speech bill' by Representative Matt Gaetz on Wednesday, May 1, before the vote, according to The Hill.

Notably, a bill aimed to combat antisemitism on college campuses was adopted by the House amid nationwide pro-Palestinian demonstrations at American universities.

Before the vote, Gaetz declared that he disapproved of the bill, claiming that passages from the Bible would be considered antisemitic under its criteria.

Matt Gaetz labels House antisemitism bill 'ridiculous hate speech bill'

Gaetz wrote on social media platform X, "This evening, I will vote AGAINST the ridiculous hate speech bill called the ‘Antisemitism Awareness Act. 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 Gospel itself would meet the definition of antisemitism under the terms of this bill!"

Notably, if the bill is passed, the Department of Education must apply the working definition of antisemitism provided by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) when implementing antidiscrimination laws.

According to Gaetz, 'claims of Jews killing Jesus' are one instance of antisemitism within the IHRA's definition. Then, citing passages from the Bible to support his claims, he implied that the holy book would be included in the definition.

He added on X, "The Bible is clear. There is no myth or controversy on this. Therefore, I will not support this bill."

According to the IHRA, antisemitism is defined as '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 measure would also address recent instances of antisemitism that the IHRA has highlighted, such as 'using the symbols and messages associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.'

Moreover, similar arguments on the measure were made by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene on Wednesday. She stated that she would oppose the bill because it would define antisemitic activity to include claims that Jews killed Jesus.

She stated in a social media post that the bill 'could convict Christians of antisemitism for believing the Gospel that says Jesus was handed over to Herod to be crucified by the Jews.'

Internet agrees with Matt Gaetz as he calls House antisemitism bill a 'ridiculous hate speech bill'

Several people on the internet took sides with Matt Gaetz as he labeled the House antisemitism bill as a 'ridiculous hate speech bill'. A user wrote on X, "Even a broken clock is right twice a day" while one added, "Thank you for not being a sellout like the majority of Congress."

A user also stated, "How did this get drafted and brought to the floor so quickly? That alone should have been a big enough red flag" whereas one mentioned, "where's the call for captial punishment for legislators that vote for unconstitutional bills?"

A person also wrote, "Any member of the house who votes for this should be exiled to Israel" while one said, "This bill will 100% backfire if it passes and make the problem it aims to solve worse."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.