The NJ Coalition for Free Speech today welcomes the decision of State Assembly and Senate Leadership not to advance the harmful IHRA Antisemitism Bill (A3558/S1292) in the New Jersey State Legislature, marking a significant victory for free speech, academic freedom, civil liberties, and democratic values. The lack of support for the IHRA bill, as reflected in public statements by elected officials, demonstrates the strength of a broad, principled coalition of Palestinian, Muslim, Jewish, Christian, K–12 and higher education, labor union, and civil rights organizations, advocates, and community members who came together to oppose legislation that would have threatened constitutionally protected speech and political expression.

This diverse coalition stood united in the belief that combating antisemitism must never come at the expense of free speech or the silencing of legitimate criticism of government policy. Members of the coalition consistently warned that the IHRA bill, as drafted, risked conflating criticism of the Israeli government with antisemitism, chilling speech, and disproportionately harming Muslim, Palestinian, Arab, and Jewish advocates for human rights.

“The defeat of the IHRA bill is a testament to the power of principled coalitional organizing,” said Ali Aljarrah, State Lead for CAIR Action NJ. “Our diverse coalition proved that fighting hate and protecting free speech are not competing values, but inseparable ones.”

“Combating antisemitism and protecting civil liberties are interconnected goals that safeguard all communities. This objective is poorly served by legislation that misrepresents human rights advocacy as hate speech,” said Haliema Twam, Civic Engagement and Advocacy Manager at the Palestinian American Community Center. 

“Despite being framed by some media outlets as primarily a Jewish versus Muslim issue, that is not true.  Many Jewish organizations and individuals represented by our free speech coalition reject the weaponization of antisemitism and affirm that protecting the safety and dignity of those of us who identify as Jewish but deny any connection to the Israeli state goes hand-in-hand with defending free expression,” said Renée Steinhagen, a member of Jewish Voice for Peace-Northern New Jersey. “As Louis Brandeis, the first Jewish Supreme Court Justice, said, we need ‘more speech, not forced silence.’”

“The rejection of IHRA is a foundation to build on as we continue confronting attempts to silence communities of conscious, criminalize advocacy for justice in Palestine, and normalize policies that enable genocide,” said Hafsa Habehh, American Muslims for Palestine – NJ Chapter. “The long-term efforts to institutionalize the IHRA definition now face organized opposition.”

“Our office has been fighting variations of this definition for over six years. We’re glad our legislators have chosen to uphold free speech once again.” said Selaedin Maksut, Executive Director for CAIR-NJ. “While this bill is now dead for this session, we remain vigilant and call on our elected officials to continue opposing it should it be reintroduced in the future.”

“Resistencia en Acción is relieved that the IHRA definition of antisemitism did not pass in the legislature. This definition can be used to suppress political speech and further criminalize immigrant communities, including through ICE and other enforcement systems—as was done to a New Jersey resident, Leqaa Kordia,” said Ana Paola, Executive Director of Resistencia en Acción NJ.

Throughout the legislative process, including three Assembly committee hearings and one multi-day Senate committee hearing, each lasting for several hours, the advocates testifying in opposition to the IHRA bill appreciated that their voices were heard. 

“The State of New Jersey has shown that it can simultaneously protect civil rights and uphold free speech,” said Dr. Heather Pierce, political science professor and president of the Rutgers Adjunct Faculty Union. “We urge our elected leaders to build on this moment by listening to impacted communities, engaging in genuine dialogue, and rejecting the false dichotomy between combating antisemitism and defending democratic values.”

The coalition now calls on New Jersey’s elected officials, including incoming Governor Mikie Sherrill, to stand on the right side of history by rejecting legislative efforts that erode First Amendment protections. Elected leaders must instead pursue policies that address hate and discrimination through education, community investment, and enforcement of existing civil rights laws, without compromising constitutional freedoms. 

Newly signed legislation honors South River native and fallen U.S. Capitol Police officer

Governor Phil Murphy signed Assembly Joint Resolution 215 (AJR215) into law, formally designating July 30 of each year as Brian Sicknick Day in New Jersey. Sponsored by Assemblymen Robert Karabinchak and Sterley Stanley, the legislation honors Brian Sicknick, a South River native who served in the New Jersey Air National Guard and spent more than 12 years with the United States Capitol Police, including service in the First Responder’s Unit.

According to the U.S. Capitol Police, Officer Sicknick responded to the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, where he was assaulted while defending Congress. He later suffered two strokes and died the following night.

“Designating Brian Sicknick Day ensures that New Jersey formally recognizes the life, service, and sacrifice of a son of our state who answered the call to protect others,” said Assemblyman Karabinchak. “This designation ensures his legacy will always be remembered.”

“Officer Brian Sicknick represented the very best of public service,” said Assemblyman Stanley. “By setting aside this day each year, we ensure that the memory of his service is never forgotten and reaffirm our commitment to honoring those who lost their lives fulfilling their duty to protect others.”

Following the bill signing, Governor Murphy, Speaker Craig J. Coughlin and Assemblymen Joe Danielsen, Karabinchak and Stanley participated in a wreath placement ceremony in Officer Sicknick’s honor.

“A life dedicated to service and country reminds us that the safety and stability we count on never happens by accident, it comes from those who never lose sight of their responsibility to the people around them,” said Speaker Coughlin. “Officer Brian Sicknick showed up, did his duty, and stood firm when our democracy needed defending. A proud son of New Jersey, shaped by his family, his community, and his commitment to serving others, he will forever be remembered and deeply missed by his home state and by all who loved him.”

“Officer Brian Sicknick answered the call to serve with courage and dedication,” said Assemblyman Danielsen (D-Middlesex, Somerset). “Honoring him with this designation is a meaningful way to ensure that future generations remember his service and the sacrifices made by those who protect others.”

Last year, Officer Sicknick’s brother—Craig Sicknick—delivered remarks on the General Assembly floor after receiving a ceremonial resolution honoring Officer Sicknick’s life and service.

“From the very beginning of his service at New Jersey Transit, Kris Kolluri has been a tireless advocate for our state’s public transportation system, making sure the agency is not only on firm ground but also moving forward in the right direction. I commend Governor-elect Sherrill’s decision to keep him in place and naming him to lead the Turnpike Authority is a credit to the work already underway thanks to his leadership and experience.

“In New Jersey, our transportation infrastructure is the lifeblood of our economy and a driving force behind our success, keeping our commuters connected and making sure our state maintains its competitive edge in the region. As we stand on the cusp of an unprecedented coordination of our transit system and highways with eight World Cup matches, including the final, continuity of leadership at New Jersey Transit is critical and I look forward to working together to support the progress that keeps our state moving.”

Governor Murphy today signed Bill A5278, the “New Jersey Menopause Coverage Act,” into law. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Heather Simmons, Assemblyman Roy Freiman, and Assemblywoman Lisa Swain, this legislation would require health insurers to cover diagnosis and treatment of menopause symptoms.

Under the bill, health insurance carriers will be required to cover medically necessary treatment for perimenopause, menopause, and symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause. This includes hormonal therapies, non-hormonal treatments, behavioral health care, pelvic floor physical therapy, bone health treatments, preventative services, and counseling and education regarding treatment.

“For too long, menopause has been treated as a private burden rather than a public health issue,” said Assemblywoman Simmons (D-Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland). “This legislation sends a clear message. Your symptoms are real. Your health matters. New Jersey is stepping up.”

According to data cited by the National Institute for Health, approximately 1.3 million people become menopausal each year. The Mayo Clinic estimates that menopause related symptoms result in $1.8 billion in lost productivity annually across the United States.

“This bill is about applying common sense to an overlooked part of healthcare,” said Assemblyman Freiman (D-Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset). “Menopause affects a significant portion of our population each year, and it’s time our insurance policies reflect that reality. Providing coverage is not just good health policy. It’s smart, equitable, and long overdue.”

Currently, insurance coverage for menopause in New Jersey depends on the specific plan and treatment. Coverage is ultimately determined by the insurance provider.

“Menopause care has been overlooked for decades,” said Assemblywoman Swain (D-Bergen). “Women deserve access that supports their health, careers, and quality of life. This bill is about fairness, dignity, and updating our healthcare system to match reality.”