Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance Strongly Condemns Governor Evers Signing AB 446 (IHRA Bill) into Law
Milwaukee, WI — The Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance (WMCA) strongly condemns Governor Tony Evers’ decision to sign AB 446 into law, despite widespread opposition from civil rights organizations, faith leaders, and community advocates across Wisconsin.
AB 446 adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism into Wisconsin law. The law imposes certain political viewpoints onto the people of Wisconsin, rather than addressing the actual harm of antisemitism. The State of Wisconsin now faces serious concerns about its impact on free speech, academic freedom, and the constitutional rights of Wisconsinites, particularly those advocating for Palestinian human rights.
The timing of this decision is especially painful for Wisconsin’s Muslim community. Just days after being invited to the Governor’s Eid celebration marking the end of Ramadan, where over 150 Muslim community members gathered in a spirit of recognition and inclusion, this law was signed, leaving many in the same community feeling targeted and unheard.
WMCA notes that it is difficult to reconcile celebrating a community while simultaneously advancing policies that may disproportionately impact that same community. Muslims and Arabs have historically been among those most affected by policies that blur the line between legitimate political speech and discrimination, raising deep concerns about how this law may be applied.
“Governor Evers had a critical opportunity to protect the First Amendment rights of all Wisconsinites,” said Fauzia Qureshi, Executive Director of WMCA. “Instead, this decision sets a concerning precedent that risks chilling lawful speech and civic participation.”
Fatima Malik, Policy Lead at WMCA, added: “Wisconsin already has strong hate crime laws that provide robust legal protections against bias-motivated harm. Now that Governor Evers has signed AB 446, we are particularly concerned about its impact on students, educators, and community members who engage in legitimate political speech.”
WMCA emphasizes that efforts to address hate must be done in ways that uphold constitutional protections and do not silence marginalized communities. By signing this legislation, Governor Evers has failed to stand up for the constitutional freedoms of all Wisconsinites.
As this law takes effect, WMCA will continue to monitor its implementation, support impacted individuals, and advocate for policies that protect both civil rights and free expression.
Media Contact: press@wmcalliance.org
