Wisconsin Senate Bill SJR133

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/24
• Refer: 3/6/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Equality of rights on the basis of sex, gender identity, race, color, sexual orientation, disability, religion, national origin, marital status, family status, age, ancestry, or any other immutable characteristic and creating a private cause of action for violations of those rights by state actors (first consideration).

Impact

If enacted, SJR133 will create a significant change in state law by embedding these protections into the state constitution, which would elevate the rights of individuals and potentially lead to a more rigorous enforcement of anti-discrimination measures. The bill stipulates that individuals who believe their rights have been violated under this amendment will have a private cause of action against the state or the relevant political subdivision. This provision empowers citizens to take legal action, thereby enhancing individual agency in seeking justice for discrimination or inequality experienced.

Summary

SJR133 is a proposed constitutional amendment introduced in the 2023-2024 legislature that seeks to establish the equality of rights under the law for all individuals in Wisconsin. This amendment explicitly prohibits the state and its political subdivisions from denying or abridging rights based on various characteristics including sex, gender identity, race, color, sexual orientation, disability, religion, national origin, marital status, family status, age, ancestry, or any other immutable characteristic. By reinforcing rights at the constitutional level, the bill aims to solidify protections against discrimination across a spectrum of identities and status, ensuring all individuals are treated equitably.

Contention

As with many measures aimed at expanding civil rights, SJR133 is likely to provoke debates regarding its implications for existing laws and practices. Critics may argue about the potential for increased litigation against the state, or express concerns regarding how this might affect existing statutes or local governance in areas like education or employment law. Proponents, however, assert that such a constitutional backbone is essential to foster a more inclusive society where all individuals have recourse against discriminatory practices. The discussion around SJR133 may highlight deep-seated societal views about equal rights and the balance of power between state and individual liberties.