Wisconsin Assembly Bill 446 and Senate Bill 445

Wisconsin Assembly Bill 446 (and Senate Bill 445) would require all State and local agencies to use the heavily-criticized International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) “working definition” of antisemitism, which risks suppressing protected political speech about Israel and Palestine. This is an attack on our free speech.

A quick summary of the issue from Peace Action WI:

What AB 446 does and why we oppose it

• Directs state & local entities to use the IHRA definition when evaluating discrimination and hate-crime enhancers.
• Chills protected speech by blurring criticism of a foreign government’s actions with antisemitism.
• Existing federal & state law already prohibit antisemitic discrimination; AB 446 is unnecessary and constitutionally overbroad.

Actions you can take:

1. Attend Public Hearings, Speak if You Wish. It’s best to come early. Staff will give you a form to register for or against a specific bill and to indicate if you also wish to speak. Remarks may be limited to as little as 2 minutes. Representatives of organizations usually go first, then individuals in the order of forms received. You may be asked questions. There should be space to sit in the hearing room or overflow rooms. You don’t have to speak, but it’s important to turn out in large numbers.
2. Email all members of the Assembly Committee on State Affairs and the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety with comments on the bill. Include your full name and street address in the email for proper consideration.
3. Email your own State Representative and Senator, found by entering your address under “Who Are My Legislators?” on the right. Include your full name and street address in the email so they know you are a constituent.
4. Contact Governor Evers. Stopping this attack on our free speech may come down to a veto by the Governor that withstands an override vote.