Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Steve Geller
Department: County Commission
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO DIRECT Office of the County Attorney to draft an Ordinance amending Article IV of Chapter 21 of the Broward County Code of Ordinances to define antisemitism and to establish the Board's intent that the definitions of bias-motivated crimes and antisemitism be considered in determining the motivation behind a violation of law. (Commissioner Geller)
body
Why Action is Necessary
Board direction is required for the Office of the County Attorney to draft an Ordinance amending the Broward County Code of Ordinances.
What Action Accomplishes
Provides the required direction to the Office of the County Attorney.
Is this Action Goal Related
No
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
The Kantor Center recently released a report (Exhibit 1) stating that the working definition of antisemitism of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance ("IHRA") "has become a barometer in the global fight against Jew-hatred, serving as a comprehensive and well-known tool to monitor, measure and ultimately combat contemporary manifestations of this age-old societal scourge." The report also confirms that in 2021 alone, 200 entities have either adopted or endorsed the IHRA working definition of antisemitism worldwide.
The proposed Ordinance would amend the Broward County Code of Ordinances to define antisemitism consistent with the IHRA's working definition and to establish the Board's intent that the definitions of bias-motivated crimes and antisemitism be considered in determining the motivation behind a violation of law. The proposed Ordinance would not diminish or infringe upon protected speech under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution or the State of Florida Constitution.
Source of Additional Information
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
To be determined by the Office of Management and Budget upon presentation of a draft Ordinance.