Two versions of a bill headed to Gov. Tony Evers’ (D-WI) desk are threatening free speech rights in Wisconsin and quietly conflating anti-Israel speech with antisemitism.
The language in both AB 446 and SB 445 uses vague standards to threaten free speech rights in Wisconsin, expanding state power to stifle political speech.
Both versions of this bill obscure a vital aspect of their content by signaling legal alignment with the Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism without explaining what that alignment entails, including a conflation between criticism of Israel and antisemitism. If adopted, these bills could lead to criminal charges against Wisconsinites who describe Israeli policies as genocidal or apartheid-like.
Milwaukee DSA is urging you to join area labor and free-speech advocates in opposing these bills. You can contact Gov. Evers via his office contact form or by phone (608-266-1212). If you’d like, you can build on the following statements below:
“My name is NAME, and I live in Wisconsin at ADDRESS. I am urging Governor Evers to veto AB 446 and SB 445 because they threaten free speech in Wisconsin. Thank you.”
“Hello, my name is NAME, and I live in Wisconsin at ADDRESS. I’m calling to urge Governor Evers to veto AB 446 and SB 445. These bills threaten free speech and expand state power over political expression, using vague standards that invite abuse. The recent amendments to these bills are insufficient in protecting the rights of people in Wisconsin. I’m asking that the governor protect the First Amendment in vetoing both bills.”
Milwaukee DSA stands with our Jewish comrades against the very real problem of antisemitism, recognizing this struggle as part of the shared struggle of all working-class people against oppression. We will continue to fight for the safety and dignity of all.
Milwaukee DSA is Milwaukee’s largest socialist organization fighting against imperialism for a democratic economy, a just society, and a sustainable environment. Join today at dsausa.org/join.
In solidarity,
Milwaukee DSA
Wisconsin Bail Out the People Movement 