Evers and state Legislature passed historic legislation to help fight antisemitism
Milwaukee Jewish Federation applauded Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Legislature for Passing AB446 (SB445), joining 37 other U.S. states and the District of Columbia in codifying the definition of antisemitism into state legislation.
By signing this legislation, Governor Evers has ensured Wisconsin has a clear, non-binding state definition of antisemitism to serve as a critical tool for fighting Jew hatred, according to Milwaukee Jewish Federation.
“With antisemitism at historic levels, we needed a historic effort to try to combat it,” according to a statement issued by the Federation. “Our gratitude goes to those legislators who have championed this effort, and to the hundreds of supporters, speakers, advocates and allies who lent their support. And, of course, many thanks to Governor Evers for his continued, unwavering support of Jewish Wisconsin.”
“The Milwaukee Jewish Federation urges legislative leaders to continue this important conversation and to keep working with community stakeholders to identify other effective, structural approaches to addressing antisemitism.”
Milwaukee Jewish Federation remains committed to combatting antisemitism, strengthening public understanding of Jewish culture and history, providing critical social services to the community, and ensuring that all of Wisconsin can live free from hate and intimidation regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity.
How it unfolded
Before the governor’s signature, the Federation and its allies worked towards passage of the bill in the Legislature, repeatedly bringing speakers to hearings and communicating with representatives. Advocates are celebrating the months-long effort as a success.
Hundreds of members of the Jewish community throughout the state advocated in support of the IHRA bill, along with many local and national Jewish organizations. The Federation statement expressed gratitude to Forward Latino, National Association of Social Workers – Wisconsin Chapter, Wisconsin Catholic Conference, and Wisconsin Council of Religious and Independent Schools for their respective support of Wisconsin adopting the IHRA definition.
The IHRA definition of antisemitism defines antisemitism as a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews, or in holding Jews collectively responsible for the actions of the nation of Israel. It includes both rhetorical and physical manifestations directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals, their property, and Jewish institutions. The definition is accompanied by examples that illustrate how antisemitism appears today, from classic conspiracy theories to rhetoric that denies Jewish people the right to self-determination, according to Federation.
Opponents of these bills allege that they would prohibit criticism of the State of Israel and would silence free speech. But the Federation and other advocates point out that the IHRA definition does not regulate speech or create penalties. It simply gives governments, educators, and institutions a consistent tool for identifying antisemitic bias when enforcing existing anti-discrimination and hate-crime laws.
Both advocates and opponents flew in from out of state to make their impassioned cases at prior hearings. Citizens showed up to speak out. But in the end, the bill quietly passed its last legislative hurdle, when it was granted state Senate approval on a voice vote, then signed by the governor last month.
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