Ohio Senate passes bill protecting Jewish Ohioans

The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 297, sponsored by State Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott), to protect Jewish students from intimidation, harassment and violence.

Senate Bill 297 expands the offense of ethnic intimidation to include both riot and aggravated riot committed by reason of the race, color, religion or national origin of another person or group of persons. The bill also defines antisemitism so state agencies can investigate and lead proceedings on these offenses.

"Following the events of October 7, our Jewish students have felt targeted on campus and, in some dangerous situations, have been harassed and attacked," Johnson said. "We must protect our Jewish neighbors, and this legislation accomplishes this while upholding our First Amendment. Senate Bill 297 gives our law enforcement entities and universities the tools to do so."

Senate Bill 297 now goes to the Ohio House for consideration.

Senator Johnson represents the 14th District in the Ohio Senate, which encompasses all of Adams, Brown, Clermont and Scioto counties. Learn more at www.OhioSenate.gov.

Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 25 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.