Many critics are displaying a combination of ignorance and mendacity, often with a significant dollop of anti-Jewish conspiracy theory.

Some on both left and right have been up in arms about the Antisemitism Awareness Act (AAA) passed by the House of Representatives, which may get taken up by the Senate. Those on the left (and some on the right) argue that it will make criticizing Israel illegal. Others on the right claim it will outlaw Christianity. Tucker Carlson, for example, tweeted that it will make the New Testament illegal. More reasonable critics worry about a possible chilling effect. All are mistaken about the bill.

In fact, the bill, if it becomes law, will not change the status quo. Leftists who are currently accusing Israel of genocide or comparing Israelis to Nazis will be able to continue to do so. Christians will continue to have access to the New Testament and preach Christianity, even the versions that hold Jews collectively responsible for Jesus’s crucifixion.