COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Senate is considering a bill that would officially define antisemitism for state agencies and expand hate crime enhancements to cover certain riots. Lawmakers from south central Ohio are watching closely as the measure, known as Sub. S.B. 87, moves forward.
The legislation amends two sections of the Ohio Revised Code and enacts a new one. It defines antisemitism for use in investigations and proceedings by state agencies. It also expands the offense of ethnic intimidation to include riot and aggravated riot when committed because of a victim’s or group’s race, color, religion or national origin.
Primary sponsor Sen. Terry Johnson, a Republican from McDermott in the 14th Senate District that covers south central Ohio, first introduced a similar measure in the previous General Assembly. That version passed the Senate with bipartisan support on a 27 to 4 vote. Johnson reintroduced the reworked bill this session to give law enforcement and agencies clearer tools amid rising antisemitism.
In sponsor testimony, Johnson pointed to incidents after the October 7 attack on Israel, including harassment of Jewish students on college campuses and a Neo Nazi demonstration that marched down High Street in Columbus. He noted the bill enshrines a definition already used under a 2022 gubernatorial executive order and applies only to agency proceedings, not criminal prosecutions. Johnson stressed that the measure includes language stating it shall not diminish or infringe on rights protected by the First Amendment or the Ohio Constitution. He added that public demonstrations remain protected when they follow principles of respect and constructive dialogue.
Ohio is home to an estimated 177,295 Jewish residents, according to the 2024 American Jewish Year Book.
For the average person in south central Ohio, the bill would change very little in daily life. It does not create new restrictions on speech, employment or protests for law abiding citizens. The practical effects fall mainly on prosecutors, who could add an ethnic intimidation enhancement to riot charges when bias is proven, and on state agencies handling discrimination complaints.
Civil liberties groups and Muslim advocacy organizations oppose the bill. They argue the definition, drawn from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition, is overbroad and could be misused to label criticism of Israeli government policies as antisemitism.
Gary Daniels, legislative director for the ACLU of Ohio, submitted opponent testimony that called the approach a First Amendment concern. Daniels stated, “Indeed, that definition would encompass numerous types of behavior, conduct, and speech that otherwise is constitutionally protected.” He added, “That, itself, is a First Amendment nightmare.” Daniels warned that the bill risks targeting protected political expression even with its disclaimer language.
The Ohio chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations has also urged a no vote. CAIR Ohio described the measure as one that “threatens to criminalize peaceful dissent and suppress advocacy for human rights under the guise of combating hate.” The group has called it an anti free speech bill and raised alarms ahead of a potential Senate vote.
No floor debate or vote on the bill occurred during the Senate session on March 4. The measure remains eligible for consideration as the chamber continues its work.
Supporters say the bill simply updates existing law to address real threats without touching protected speech. Opponents counter that it singles out one form of bias in a way that could chill legitimate protest and debate.
South central Ohio residents can track the bill and contact their senators through the official Ohio Legislature website. The full text and committee testimony are available there for anyone who wants to review the details firsthand.
