Thread by @josiahmortimer

The Green Party is set to vote on adopting the #IHRA definition of antisemitism at autumn conference next month leftfootforward.org/2018/09/green-… (1/x)

It follows Campaign Against @antisemitism criticising then-leadership candidate Shahrar Ali, for what the organisation deemed an ‘offensive rant’ during a resurfaced Gaza demonstration speech made in 2009. Full story here: leftfootforward.org/2018/08/exclus… (2/x)

Unofficial members' forums saw a barrage of antisemitic comments in the wake of our story on...alleged antisemitism in the Green Party - see here

https://twitter.com/josiahmortimer/status/1026448030193606657

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Shahrar Ali and others claimed there was a 'witch hunt' against anti-Israel/pro-Palestinian activists leftfootforward.org/2018/08/witch-… (4/x)

At the time the Green Party said: “We believe it is absolutely critical that we discuss [the issue] openly and quickly, and we are doing so. We have reached out to the Campaign Against Antisemitism to ensure we fully understand their concerns and to respond accordingly” (5/x)

The Green Party executive has decided against adopting the IHRA definition, saying it had to be a decision for party members (6/x)

A full statement from Caroline Lucas to party members said that, although it 'isn't perfect', she supports adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism:

Caroline Lucas: "Letting the perfect be the enemy of the good is distracting from the actions all political parties need to take to show real leadership on tackling antisemitism." #IHRA

Caroline Lucas said that until members vote, party exec "will draw where helpful on the IHRA definition and other guidance."

"I also urge members to be mindful of the impact of their words and behaviour as we continue to debate this important issue as a party.” #antisemitism

Two opposing motions are being proposed to the party’s conference in October on #IHRA – one calling for the party to adopt a version of the IHRA definition, and one vociferously opposing it - the latter by Shahrar Ali (10/x)

Young Green @natehiggins is proposing to adopt a formal definition of antisemitism as part of the party’s code of conduct “to combat the rising antisemitic sentiment in society and our political discourse” (11/x)

The motion adds a formal definition of antisemitism to members code of conduct, based on the IHRA definition but incorporating the Home Affairs select committee clarifications, which clarify free speech question. The full motion is here: leftfootforward.org/images/2018/09… (12/x)

In a video about his IHRA motion, @natehiggins said: “Right now we are letting down Jewish members and supporters who want and need the Green Party to be the party standing up against antisemitism....We have the opportunity now to solve this, and finally reach a decision" (13/x)

In May 2017 the Green Party Executive ‘noted’ the IHRA definition – but did not officially adopt it. With no clear definition of what constitutes antisemitism, calls have been growing for party to take a stance. 2017 statement below (14/x)

.@LeftFootFwd understands that at least two formal complaints have been made to the Green Party against members, for antisemitic comments made on the (unofficial) 'Support the Green Party for a Better Future' FB group (15/x)