Upholding Free Speech for Everyone: Illinois’ Big Step to Repeal Anti-BDS Law
Chicago, IL - April 30, 2026 - The Muslim Civic Coalition, as a member of the Illinois Coalition of Human Rights (ICHR), joined allied organizations at a historic subject matter hearing on HB 2723, a bill that seeks to repeal Illinois’ 2015 anti-BDS law.
On Thursday, April 30, the Illinois House International Relations Committee heard testimony on HB 2723, sponsored by State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid. The legislation aims to remove the 2015 law that prohibits state pension funds from investing in companies that boycott Israel. Advocates argue the current law unconstitutionally restricts free speech and peaceful advocacy for human rights.
“We must defend the sacred right to free speech and reject all forms of censorship. No ideology of supremacy should ever dictate who is allowed to speak, who must remain silent, or punish corporations for taking a principled human rights stand – especially not here in Illinois,” said Amina Barhumi, Executive Director of the Muslim Civic Coalition.
State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid’s HB 2723 stands as a landmark effort, one of the first legislative hearings in any U.S. state to directly champion Palestinian rights and repeal an anti-boycott law. It affirms the fundamental right of every person to speak for humanity and rejects exceptionalism that stifles dissent and deems certain lives less worthy of protection.
In a supermajority blue state like Illinois, this is especially significant. The same special-interest forces that made Illinois the first state to pass an anti-BDS law in 2015 are now fighting to keep it in place. Through HB 2723, Illinois has the opportunity to become the first state to repeal it, rejecting the weaponization of public pension funds against human rights advocacy.
Watch the Full Hearing:
▶ Watch the complete hearing here
What’s Next?
As we continue this critical work to protect First Amendment rights, here are ways you can get involved:
Register for the May 20 Springfield Action Day & Rally - to showcase our people power.
The Muslim Civic Coalition remains committed to defending free speech, human rights, and the right to advocate for justice without government retaliation.