Washington state lawmakers urge governor to remove human-rights panelist over Jew-hatred remarks
Lawmakers from both parties in Washington state are urging Gov.Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, to remove Luc fils Jasmin from the Washington State Human Rights Commission after video surfaced on June 10 showing the commissioner dismissing concerns about antisemitism and making derogatory remarks about Jews.During a commission meeting on March 27, 2025, Jasmin said Jews are “always crying” about antisemitism and accused Jews of “killing millions” of Palestinians while commissioners debated a proposed resolution condemning antisemitism.
The meeting video was uploaded to the commission’s website and YouTube channel more than a year after the meeting took place.The commission later adopted the antisemitism resolution unanimously on April 17, 2025.Jasmin, a Spokane pastor appointed by then-Gov.
Jay Inslee in June 2023, serves a term that runs through June 2028.Under state law, the governor has the authority to remove commissioners for misconduct.“The job of a human rights commissioner is to fight bigotry, not participate in it,” Travis Couture, a Republican state representative, told JNS.
“Mocking Jews for speaking out against antisemitism is vile, discriminatory and completely incompatible with the mission of the Washington State Human Rights Commission.”“Commissioner Jasmin has proven he is unfit to serve, and Gov.Ferguson has the authority to remove commissioners for misconduct,” he said.
“If he fails to act, every Washingtonian will be left wondering why bigotry and antisemitism are simply tolerated in his administration.”Mari Leavitt, a Democratic state representative, told JNS that Jasmin “should have been asked to resign or removed over a year ago” after the meeting happened.“His commentary is precisely why we must have resolutions and speak about it in the first place,” she said.“The rise of antisemitism is data-centric and proven.”“It’s fine for folks to criticize the Israeli government,” said Leavitt, who has been ou...