Issue - meetings
Adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of Antisemitism
Meeting: 17/10/2019 - South Somerset District Council (Item 69)
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RESOLVED: |
That Full Council agreed to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of Anti-Semitism along with the accompanying illustrative examples. |
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Reason: |
As a measure that supports the Council’s obligations under the Equality Act 2010, and its responsibilities under the Public Sector Equality Duty, adoption of the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism contributes to the council’s approach to promoting equality and meeting its equality duties to the public, customers, contractors/suppliers and staff. |
(Voting: 49 in favour, 0 against, 2 abstentions)
Minutes:
The Leader of Council noted that the report had been supported by District Executive and said she felt strongly that the Council should adopt the definition. She said that Local Authorities had a valuable role to play in tackling hate crime in partnership with the police. Although eradicating anti-semitism could not be achieved by the Council it should show leadership. She proposed the definition be adopted.
The Specialist for Strategic Planning confirmed that the Government had invited the Council to adopt the definition in 2017 and had again written that week.
Councillor Kaysar Hussain confirmed that he supported the adoption of the definition. He said that any type of hate towards belief needed to be confronted in all walks of life.
Councillor John Clark confirmed that he had abstained from voting at District Executive because the proposal was directed at one religion only although he has not against the definition. He confirmed that he would abstain from voting again.
The definition was seconded by Councillor Linda Vijeh and on being put to the vote, was carried by 49 votes in favour, 0 against and 2 abstentions.
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RESOLVED: |
That Full Council agreed to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of Anti-Semitism along with the accompanying illustrative examples. |
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Reason: |
As a measure that supports the Council’s obligations under the Equality Act 2010, and its responsibilities under the Public Sector Equality Duty, adoption of the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism contributes to the council’s approach to promoting equality and meeting its equality duties to the public, customers, contractors/suppliers and staff. |
(Voting: 49 in favour, 0 against, 2 abstentions)
