(The Center Square) – The leading candidate in Wisconsin’s race for governor is unhappy with a new law that defines antisemitism and looks to fight it at the University of Wisconsin.
State Rep. Francesca Hong, D-Madison, who is leading the Democratic race for governor, and who calls herself a Democratic Socialist, took to social media recently to criticize a new law that Gov. Tony Evers signed.
“I am disappointed that Gov. Evers has signed into law a controversial definition of antisemitism that will compromise free speech across the state and academic freedom at our universities,” Hong wrote. “AB446/SB445 will likely make criticism of the state of Israel a discriminatory offense.”
The new law uses the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, which is “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
The governor didn’t offer any comments on the new law when he signed it.
But Juliana Bennet, another Wisconsin Democratic Socialist who is looking to replace Hong in the State Assembly, did comment.
“Gov. Evers signed AB446 into law. He did so knowing the Wisconsin GOP’s intent to silence Palestinians & anyone speaking out against the apartheid state of Israel and the genocide Israel is committing in Palestine,” Bennet wrote on X. “I reject Governor Evers’ wrongful decision.”
The new law came from legislation from another Madison lawmaker. State Rep. Lisa Subeck, D-Madison, is Jewish. She made the case earlier this year that “antisemitism is real” in Wisconsin.
“This is our opportunity to take a firm stand against antisemitism and to put that definition to be considered. This is guidance that we desperately need at a time when antisemitism is on the rise in our communities,” she said.
Republican Rep. Ron Tusler, R-Harrison, last fall said Wisconsin needs clear rules for what is free speech on college campuses, and what is intimidation.
“This definition shines a light on behavior that might otherwise be excused, dismissed or even justified,” Tusler wrote to lawmakers.
