Victory! Gov. Evers Vetoes Wisconsin Anti-Dissent Bill

Washington, D.C. | www.adc.org | March 20, 2026 — Late yesterday Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin vetoed a harmful anti-Dissent bill. The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) commends Governor Evers for vetoing AB 672, legislation that would have criminalized political expression, advocacy, and dissent. This bill posed a direct threat to First Amendment rights, civil liberties, and democratic participation.

Official Veto statement from Governor Evers

Over the past few months ADC has engaged directly with partners, state lawmakers, and the governor’s office on this issue. Most recently ADC submitted official testimony in opposition to AB 672 for the Wisconsin state records. We worked closely and alongside other civil liberties organizations raising similar concerns, including the Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance (WMCA), Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), Voces de la Frontera, and the ACLU of Wisconsin.

ADC Policy Manager Ellie Yousif said, “AB 672 posed a direct threat to First Amendment rights by giving the state sweeping authority to label nonviolent political activism as ‘terrorism,’ a historically politicized term used to delegitimize movements and ideas that challenge state power. History shows that ‘terrorism’ has often been wielded as a political tool to suppress dissent, from civil rights and anti-war activists to contemporary advocacy for Palestinian rights. The bill comes at a time when U.S. foreign policy consistently prioritizes Israel’s security, often at the expense of civil and political rights of not only Arab Americans, but all Americans. AB 672 reflects a domestic extension of these international power dynamics, threatening to criminalize advocacy that engages with globally recognized human rights issues and chilling constitutionally protected speech”.

AB672 was structurally designed to allow for arbitrary enforcement against individuals and organizations simply for advocating for Palestinian rights, opposing ICE actions in schools, or otherwise voicing dissent. Its reliance on vague and undefined terms—intent, association, alignment—would have transformed protected political activity into criminal liability. Similar labeling has already been misapplied against journalists, students, and activists advocating for Palestinian rights, showing how easily AB 672 could have criminalized lawful dissent. The same mechanisms could just as easily be used against any political dissenter, regardless of ideology or affiliation, making this a threat to all who challenge government policy.

By rejecting AB 672, Governor Evers prevented the state from codifying the criminalization of dissent and protecting marginalized communities from selective enforcement and political persecution. California provides a clear warning: a narrower transnational repression bill was vetoed in 2025 for similar reasons. AB 672 went further in scope, penalties, and potential for abuse. Marginalized communities—including Palestinians, immigrants, Black Americans, Muslims, students, and political activists—would have borne the brunt of enforcement, reflecting historic inequities in policing and criminal justice. The bill’s vague definitions and broad powers could have been applied against anyone expressing dissent, making it a universal threat to political freedom and democratic participation.

ADC thanks Governor Evers for rejecting AB 672 and commends his defense of fundamental civil liberties. We call on lawmakers to ensure that future legislation protects, rather than undermines, democratic participation and free expression. The First Amendment must remain a shield, not a target.

ADC also urges Governor Evers to veto pending IHRA bills, which pose a similar threat by chilling dissent, constraining legitimate political discourse, and effectively criminalizing individuals for expressing views critical of state policy or international human rights practices. Coalition letter to reject IHRA.

This effort is part of ADC’s commitment to Fighting Hate in Your State. By focusing on state level advocacy we are more likely to have a direct impact.Make a contribution today to support these efforts.

About ADC: The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is the largest Arab American grassroots organization in the U.S., founded in 1980 by former Senator James Abourezk. ADC’s mission is to defend and promote the human rights, civil rights, and liberties of at least 3.7 million Arab Americans residing in the United States. Through its work, ADC fights discrimination in the U.S., enhances public understanding of Arab history and culture, and partners with marginalized communities globally to advance social justice.