CAIR Action New Jersey Welcomes Gubernatorial Candidate Steve Fulop’s Decision Not to Sign Proposed IHRA Bill; Encourages Other Gubernatorial Candidates to Follow
CAIR Action New Jersey Welcomes Gubernatorial Candidate Steve Fulop’s Decision Not to Sign Proposed IHRA Bill; Encourages Other Gubernatorial Candidates to Follow
(Paterson, NJ, 02/14/2025) – CAIR Action New Jersey welcomes Gubernatorial Candidate and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop’s statement to not sign onto New Jersey Assembly’s proposed bill adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. The decision reflects a commitment to safeguarding free speech while addressing discrimination in a balanced and inclusive manner.
The proposed legislation, which seeks to codify the IHRA definition into state policy, has raised significant concerns among civil rights advocates regarding its potential to conflate legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies with antisemitism. The IHRA definition, while initially intended to address antisemitic hate, includes vague and overly broad language that has been misused to suppress political speech, particularly advocacy for Palestinian rights. Several of the “contemporary examples” attached to the definition have been widely criticized for equating criticism of Israel with antisemitism, effectively chilling necessary political discourse and stifling legitimate human rights advocacy.
By not endorsing this measure, Fulop upholds the fundamental principles of free expression and open discourse, ensuring that New Jersey remains a place where diverse perspectives can be voiced without fear of suppression. Legal scholars, human rights organizations, and free speech advocates, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Racism, have warned that adopting the IHRA definition in legal frameworks leads to censorship, disproportionately impacting academics, journalists, students, and activists engaged in discussions on Israeli policies and Palestinian rights. Many individuals and organizations have already faced censorship and undue scrutiny for their principled stances, and enshrining the IHRA definition into state policy would only exacerbate these challenges.
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“We commend Steve Fulop for recognizing the dangers of this legislation and for choosing a path that protects both the fight against antisemitism and the constitutional right to free speech,” said Ali Aljarrah, Senior Advisor of CAIR Action New Jersey. “Our democracy thrives on the free exchange of ideas, and any policy that threatens to chill political speech sets a dangerous precedent. Efforts to combat discrimination should not come at the cost of silencing legitimate political critique and debate.”
Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of American democracy, enshrined in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Ensuring the right to express diverse viewpoints—especially on matters of public interest—must remain a top priority. CAIR Action New Jersey urges policymakers to approach issues of discrimination with frameworks that do not jeopardize this fundamental right.
We stand in solidarity with those who use their voices to champion human rights and justice, and we reaffirm our commitment to protecting their right to do so without fear of retaliation. We encourage other gubernatorial candidates to follow Steve Fulop’s lead in rejecting this bill and to take a stand in favor of free speech and open political discourse. Ensuring that policy decisions do not infringe upon civil liberties is essential to maintaining an inclusive and democratic society. We urge all candidates to engage with affected communities and to consider the broader implications of such measures on human rights advocacy.
CAIR Action New Jersey is an affiliate of CAIR Action, a 501(c)(4) organization. Our mission is to engage, educate, and mobilize Muslim voters, train emerging leaders, and champion policy priorities that enhance the well-being and representation of Muslim communities. Through our work, we aim to foster a more equitable and inclusive democratic society where the rights and voices of Muslims are acknowledged and respected.
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CONTACT:
Ali Aljarrah, Senior Advisor, CAIR Action, aaljarrah@cairaction.org
CAIR Action Communications, media@cairaction.org
