A bill

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 1-1-1710 SO AS TO PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK IN WHICH ANTI-SEMITISM IS CONSIDERED REGARDING ALL LAWS PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATORY ACTS, AND TO EDUCATE STATE PERSONNEL AND OFFICIALS ON ANTI-SEMITISM.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.   Chapter 1, Title 1 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

   Article 27

   Anti-Semitism

   Section 1-1-1710.   (A)   For purposes of this section, the term "definition of anti-Semitism":

      (1)   includes the definition of anti-Semitism adopted on May 26, 2016, by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, which has been adopted by the United States Department of State;

      (2)   includes contemporary examples of anti-Semitism identified by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance; and

      (3)   does not include criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country.

   (B)   Nothing in this section may be construed to:

      (1)   diminish or infringe upon any rights protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or Section 2, Article 1 of the South Carolina Constitution, 1895; or

      (2)   conflict with federal, state, or local discrimination laws.

   (C)   In reviewing, investigating, or deciding whether there has been a violation of any relevant policy, law, or regulation prohibiting discriminatory acts, the State shall take into consideration the definition of anti-Semitism set forth in law for purposes of determining whether the alleged act was motivated by discriminatory anti-Semitic intent. A court or other relevant authority shall apply the same legal standard as applicable to like claims of discrimination arising under the laws of this State protecting civil rights, including Chapter 13 of this title.

   (D)   For purposes of educating state personnel on issues related to discrimination, diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-bias training, the definition of anti-Semitism must be used and incorporated as an educational tool to familiarize personnel and officials with anti-Semitism in all of its manifestations.

SECTION 2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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