FLORIDA-- — During the same weekend of the tragic synagogue shooting in San Diego, Florida senators are expected to hear a bill on antisemitism Monday.
Investigators are calling Saturday's attack a hate crime. The new bill prohibits discrimination based on religion in Florida's K-20 public education institutions. It also defines antisemitism and places restrictions similar to those, barring racial discrimination.
This bill previously advanced out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on a five to one vote, but never made it in to an education committee agenda. The only dissenting vote came from Senate Democratic Leader, Audrey Gibson, who said the bill targeted the wrong group. It limited speech on campuses rather than addressing hate crimes.
Gibson now plays a big role in waving senate rules to allow the bill to move directly to the floor on Monday.
This all happens just days after 19-year-old John Earnest fired over a dozen rounds at Chabad of Poway in San Diego Saturday, killing one and injuring three others. He is in custody and has been charged with first degree murder and attempted first degree murder.
