SPRINGFIELD – On Wednesday, State Senator Rachel Ventura joined the Illinois Coalition for Human Rights (ICHR) in solidarity alongside State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid and several state legislators and advocates in support of House Bill 2723 and Senate Bill 2462, also known as the Illinois Human Rights Advocacy Protection Act. The proposed legislation would lift state pension investment restrictions placed on companies engaged in boycotts of Israel.

Following the press conference, Ventura released the following statement:

“Now more than ever we need to send a strong message that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and continuous human rights violations inflicted by the state of Israel will not be supported with Illinois dollars. 

“This legislation reflects our morals and values — the right to boycott is inherently expressive and linked to our principles of free speech. The ability to boycott without retaliation from the government is in line with our First Amendment right, thus the state should overturn the previous legislation restricting this right.

“House Bill 2723/Senate Bill 2462 not only align with our human rights values, but also highlight the need to be fiscally responsible. Current investment restrictions have caused the state to lose more than $149 million over the past five years.

“I stand in solidarity with ICHR, State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid and the many legislators and advocates here today in their commitment to protecting civil liberties and human rights for all.”

Matthew Schlerf from Jewish Voice for Peace was in attendance, gathering support for the legislation, adding: “Jewish Voice for Peace is a proud member of the ICHR supporting the Illinois Human Rights Advocacy Protection Act. Opposition to the bill has weaponized Jewish fear of antisemitism to silence human rights advocacy and criticism of the state of Israel. Now more than ever we need this legislation to ensure Illinois is a progressive leader protecting constituents’ First Amendment right to free speech and peaceful protest.”

House Bill 2723 and Senate Bill 2462 are awaiting committee assignment in their respective chambers.