England and Wales Greens Adopt Policy Equating Zionism With Racism
England and Wales Greens adopted a policy equating Zionism with racism. Members passed it by 1,022 votes to 813 in Brighton, England.
The policy calls for Israel to be replaced by one Palestinian state. Greens for Palestine promoted the motion.
Four of the party's five MPs publicly opposed it. Leader Zack Polanski left before the vote.
He backed the definition but wanted the single-state wording changed. He also backed amendments to protect members' synagogue links.
Members rejected the amendments. The vote caused divisions among senior party figures.
The party said it would not affect disciplinary rules. Jewish groups raised concerns about the impact on Jewish members.
Some members are expected to challenge the policy under equality laws. Adam Wagner is a leading King's Counsel. He said such a challenge has a good chance of succeeding.
Key Terms 3
- Zionism A movement that supports a Jewish homeland in Israel.
- King's Counsel A senior lawyer in England and Wales with a special rank.
- Greens for Palestine A group inside the Green Party that backs Palestinian causes.