Libertarian Lana Leguia for Assembly LD 24 Supports Free Speech, She Challenges 2 Incumbent Repubs on IHRA Bill, LD24 Dems Positions Currently Unknown
FightBackBetter editorially suggests that you consider Lana Leguia for Assembly in LD24 as the only known way in LD 24 to vote for free speech and against the IHRA repressive proposed laws supported by the overwhelming majority of Democratic and Republican candidates. We urge LD 24 voters also to reach out to Steve Barratt and Eugene Grinberg to urge them to take a position opposing IHRA and supporting free speech. Candidate Leguia made this statement from her Facebook campaign site.
While A3558 claims to want to “be applied in a manner consistent with constitutional protections, including the right to free speech,” its entire purpose is to be used as a tool for education and training but also policy making.
Unequivocally, antisemitism should be condemned whenever displayed.
I take issue with not only the state defining the terms for bigotry, but particularly for the purposes of future policies criminalizing antisemitism. Several sections in the bill define contemporary antisemitism as singling out Israel for criticism or condemnation while ignoring similar actions by other nations and denying the legitimacy of the State of Israel as indications of antisemitic bias. Their laughable attempt at disclaimers below each one such as “holding Israel accountable for its policies or actions is not antisemitic if the critique is proportional, factual, and consistent with expectations for other nations.” Who is determining what is proportional? Who is determining what is factual? Why are expectations of other nations relevant to the actions of Israel?
“Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict, penalize, diminish, or infringe upon any right protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution or paragraph 6 of Article I of the New Jersey Constitution.” Well, sponsors of A3558, hate speech IS free speech, so why are you attempting to define it? For what purpose? As deplorable as some may find them, Jewish conspiracy theories, questioning of historical events, and criticism of the Israeli State is protected by free speech.
I fear this bill will pave the way for criminalizing speech. Your current District 24 Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia and Assemblyman Mike Inganamort are supporters of this bill. I call on my current State Assembly representatives to retract their support of this unconstitutional bill if they truly support free speech.
As a Libertarian, I support your right to free speech. I do not support the state deciding what thoughts you are allowed to have, what speech you are allowed to speak, and which governments you are compelled to support. If you value your right to free speech, vote Leguía in November.
