STATE NEWS

Proposal urging ceasefire in Israel-Hamas war sparks heated debate in Florida Legislature

'What type of moral compass are we following if we are OK with entire bloodlines being eradicated on both sides?' said bill sponsor Rep. Angie Nixon. Her colleagues turned their backs.

  • By By Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida
  • | 4:55 p.m. November 8, 2023
Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville, filed a controversial proposal calling for a cease fire in the war between Israel and Hamas. File photo by Colin Hackley/The News Service of Florida
Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville, filed a controversial proposal calling for a cease fire in the war between Israel and Hamas. File photo by Colin Hackley/The News Service of Florida
  • State Government
  • Share

In an extraordinary scene that included dozens of lawmakers turning their backs on the proposal’s sponsor, the Florida House on Tuesday rejected a resolution that would have called for an “immediate de-escalation and cease-fire” in the war between Israel and Hamas.

Republicans and Democrats assailed the proposal, sponsored by Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville, in an emotional debate that included allegations of anti-Semitism.

“If you vote for this, you’re an anti-Semite,” Rep. Randy Fine, a Brevard County Republican who is Jewish, said.

 

You. Your Neighbors Your Neighborhood.

Subscribe today. Cancel anytime.

×

Your free article limit has been reached this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited digital access to our award-winning local news.