Illinois State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid just launched a powerful campaign with the filing of HB 2723, the Illinois Human Rights Advocacy Protection Act, a bold step in building Muslim civic power and removing Illinois’ complicity in subjugating oppression in Palestine. Led by AMP Chicago, CAIR-Action Illinois, and JVP, this campaign is a direct challenge to Illinois’ 2015 anti-boycott law, setting a critical precedent for human rights advocacy. Everything about this is a win—signaling the strength of grassroots mobilization. With massive community support and multiple paths to success, this initiative is not just about policy change; it’s about reshaping the landscape of justice and accountability.

In 2015, Illinois set a dangerous precedent by passing SB 1761, the first state law penalizing companies that support the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. This legislation prohibits state-run pension funds from investing in companies that boycott Israel or its territories, restricting corporate decisions based on political beliefs. It also established the Illinois Investment Pension Board and the Committee on Israel Boycott Restrictions to enforce these rules. Initially blacklisting 11 companies, the list has likely grown since.

Illinois' anti-boycott law silences Palestinian voices and their supporters at a critical time. As Palestinians face a humanitarian crisis, repealing this law is both a moral necessity and a test of Illinois' commitment to human rights. By restricting residents’ ability to protest, the law undermines free expression, even as the Palestinian people endure what has been constituted genocide by leading global human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, and ruled by the International Court of Justice as plausibly genocidal.

It is imperative that the Illinois Human Rights Advocacy Protection Act is passed in the Illinois legislature to push back against the repression of standing in solidarity with the Palestinian movement. If the Illinois Human Rights Advocacy Protection Act legislation is passed, it will repeal SB 1761 and ensure that: 

1. The freedom of speech of Illinois and its constituents is maintained
2. Restores civil liberties 
3. Prevent the marginalization of vulnerable groups 
4. Preventing systemic retaliation 
5. Illinois’ financial sector should stay away from foreign policy 

Tell your State Representative and Senator to support HB 2723 today.