California could make Jewish an ethnic identity under groundbreaking new bill

California is considering a bill, SB 1387, that would legally define "Jewish" as an ethnic and racial identity, not solely a religious affiliation, for demographic data collection by state agencies and public entities. The bill, approved by the State Senate and awaiting an Assembly vote, aims to reflect the multifaceted nature of Jewish identity, with proponents arguing it will help combat rising antisemitism and provide practical benefits in areas like healthcare. David Bocarsly, CEO of Jewish California, stated, "When state law misrepresents us and puts us in this box of just a religion, there are a number of implications."

• The legislation, if passed, would require state forms to include a "Jewish" category for voluntary disclosures of ethnicity or race.
• It is supported by numerous Jewish organizations in California, which has the second-largest Jewish population in the U.S.
• Opponents, including Jewish Voice for Peace chapters, express concerns about privacy and the potential for exacerbating antisemitism by treating religion as an ethnicity.
• The bill, set to take effect in 2030, includes provisions for data de-identification to protect privacy, with aggregated data intended to inform research and policy.