Washington Human Rights Commissioner Resigns Over Antisemitic Remarks

Luc Jasmin II, a Spokane pastor and member of the Washington State Human Rights Commission, resigned in early July 2026 following widespread condemnation of antisemitic remarks. The controversy centered on a March 2025 meeting where Jasmin questioned a resolution to condemn antisemitism, claiming Jewish people are "always crying" and suggesting Palestinians and Arabs faced more severe mistreatment.

Public outcry intensified in June 2026 after a video of the meeting was posted to YouTube. The pro-Israel advocacy organization StandWithUs led a campaign urging the governor to remove Jasmin, with executive director Randy Kessler calling the comments dangerous. While Luc Jasmin II apologized for causing pain and described his remarks as "poorly worded," he characterized his resignation as "retribution" and stated he was stepping down to "appease those who want me gone.

State Representative Travis Couture welcomed the resignation, asserting that the commission must combat rather than espouse bigotry. However, Rabbi Yisroel Hahn of Chabad of Spokane suggested that forgiveness might have been more beneficial than resignation. Governor Bob Ferguson, who will appoint a replacement, was preceded by former Governor Jay Inslee, who originally appointed Jasmin to the commission in 2023. Luc Jasmin, an Eastern Washington liaison for Governor Ferguson and son of the resigned commissioner, explicitly rejected his father's views.