Michigan Democrats Propose Expanding Civil Rights Act to Cover Antisemitism

Michigan Democratic lawmakers have introduced the Michigan Antisemitism Protection Act (MAPA), which seeks to amend the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act by adding ethnicity as a protected class and adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism. The bill aims to help state authorities better identify and address discrimination against Jewish people amid a rise in antisemitic violence and harassment nationally, including recent attacks in Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. Lead sponsor Rep. Noah Arbit emphasized that the bill would not affect constitutionally protected free speech but would provide stronger protections against antisemitism, which he described as a societal and public health problem requiring broad efforts beyond legislation. Supporters cite surveys showing that about a third of American Jews have experienced antisemitism, and reports document record-high antisemitic incidents last year. Lawmakers expressed concern over complacency and youth radicalization contributing to antisemitic violence, with some Jewish lawmakers receiving credible threats, underscoring the urgency for increased protections and bipartisan commitment to combating antisemitism.