A coalition of left-wing groups is pushing Gov. Tony Evers to veto a bill that would formally define antisemitism in Wisconsin law.
A coalition of left-leaning advocacy groups is intensifying its push for Gov. Tony Evers to veto legislation that would establish a formal definition of antisemitism in Wisconsin law.
The bill, authored by Rep. Ron Tusler (R-Harrison) and Sen. Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield), incorporates the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition and directs state and local agencies to use it when evaluating discrimination claims and potential hate crime enhancements. The proposal does not create new criminal penalties, but is intended to provide a consistent standard for identifying antisemitic intent.
The Assembly approved the measure on a 66–33 vote, with some division among Democrats.
In recent days, groups including Citizen Action of Wisconsin, Voces de la Frontera, and prison-abolition advocacy organization WISDOM have joined a wider coalition urging Evers to reject the bill.
Opponents argue the IHRA definition could be applied in ways that blur the distinction between antisemitism and political speech, particularly criticism of Israel. That concern has become a central argument in the broader campaign, which reflects ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party over the Israel–Palestine conflict and how it intersects with domestic policy debates.
The effort has also extended into opinion pages. Former Democratic State Rep. Lakeshia Myers wrote a column in the Milwaukee Courier—the state’s oldest Black-owned newspaper—urging Evers to veto the bill, arguing it could be used to suppress protected speech and academic discourse.
Supporters of the legislation dispute those claims, noting the bill includes language stating it cannot be used to infringe on First Amendment rights. Backers say the measure is a necessary response to rising antisemitic incidents and provides clearer guidance for enforcing existing laws.
During the Assembly floor debate on February 17, Rep. Lisa Subeck (D-Madison)—the chamber’s only Jewish member—spoke in favor of the bill, emphasizing the importance of clearly recognizing antisemitism in state policy.
The bill now awaits action from Gov. Evers, as advocacy groups on both sides make their final push.
