Illinois Human Rights Advocacy Protection Act (HB2723)
Witness slips needed NOW!
Our bill is now scheduled in committee on 2/19! Join us in supporting the Illinois Human Rights Advocacy Protection Act (HB2723) to repeal the 2015 law that silences advocates for Palestinian rights and undermines our fundamental freedoms.
This is about more than one issue—it's about protecting our essential right to peaceful protest. Just as boycotts ended apartheid, we're fighting to preserve the freedom to stand up for human rights and oppose genocide without facing retaliation from our own government.
Stand with us. Defend free speech. Protect the right to peaceful protest.
5 Simple Steps to File your Witness Slip:
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Ensure all of your information is accurate.
For “Firm/Business or Agency,” you can type “Self” if you are just representing yourself.
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You can leave this section blank if you are just representing yourself. If you are a member of an organization, you can put that.
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For “Add Legislation,” choose “Original Bill”
“Original Bill” refers to this bill filed in 2025 which would repeal the 2015 law.
For “Add Position,” choose “Proponent”
Click “Add Position” button
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Congrats! You’ve submitted your witness slip in support of Illinois Human Rights Advocacy Protection Act (IL HRAPA / HB2723)— and Illinoisans right to protest.
Take Further Action
Thank you for filing a slip! Check out the ways you can support this bill and other human rights bills below:
SHOW UP
Join our next lobby day in Springfield. There is power in numbers! We'll train you, transport you, and walk you through every meeting. No experience needed.
SIGN A PETITION
Add your name to support this bill and send a letter to your legislator. Then check out our other active campaigns.
SHARE
Send someone the witness slip link, print & distribute our slip flyer below, bring a friend to a lobby day, or share our petitions. Spread the word however you can.
What is a Witness Slip?
A witness slip is an official form that allows you to register your position on a bill being considered by the Illinois General Assembly. It's a simple but powerful way to let your elected representatives know whether you support or oppose proposed legislation - without having to testify in person.
Think of it as casting a vote of public opinion that becomes part of the official legislative record.
Why Witness Slips Matter
Witness slips are one of the most effective tools for civic engagement in Illinois. The opposition has professional lobbying operations that flood Springfield with slips every time one of these bills moves. They are organized, well-funded, and they do this every single session. If we don’t match their volume—and exceed it—committee members will see lopsided opposition and shelve the bill before it ever gets a vote.
This is not symbolic. Legislators track slip counts. Staff report them.
They are part of the political calculus that determines whether a bill lives or dies.
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Legislators actually look at them
Before voting on a bill, lawmakers and their staff check how many witness slips were submitted for and against it. Your slip gets counted and reviewed.
You don't have to go to Springfield
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You can make your voice heard from your couch in just a few minutes. No travel, no time off work, no public speaking required.
Numbers make a difference
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When legislators see 10 slips on one side and 200 on the other, it tells them what their constituents care about. More slips = stronger message.
It's your official position on record
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Your witness slip becomes part of the permanent legislative record. It's proof that real people support or oppose the bill.
It works
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Advocacy groups organize witness slip campaigns because they know it influences votes. Legislators pay attention when their constituents speak up.