Social Policy
Wisconsin Social Issues Guide 2026
Wisconsin social policy at a glance: abortion laws, gun regulations, LGBTQ+ protections, marijuana status, and how these issues shape the 2026 elections.
Currently Legal (Disputed)
Abortion Status
Moderately Permissive
Gun Laws
Limited Protections
LGBTQ+ Rights
$7.25 (federal)
Minimum Wage
Abortion Laws in Wisconsin
Currently Legal (Disputed)
1849 ban blocked; litigation ongoing; abortion access maintained
Legal — 1849 abortion ban blocked by courts; Democratic AG refusing to enforce
Gun Laws in Wisconsin
Moderately Permissive
No red flag law; Republicans blocked legislation; few restrictions
LGBTQ+ Rights in Wisconsin
Limited Protections
No state anti-discrimination law; Madison/Milwaukee have local ordinances
Other Key Issues
| Marijuana | Illegal; Gov. Evers pushed legalization; blocked by GOP legislature |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25 (federal) |
2026 Political Context
Wisconsin is a top presidential battleground. Abortion has been uniquely complex — an 1849 law technically bans abortion but courts blocked enforcement. The 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court race was decided partly on abortion.