02/07/2019
You don’t have to support the BDS movement to understand that its right to free speech should be protected.
Yesterday, a bill called the Combating BDS Act passed through the Senate that would make it permissible for state and local governments to divest from organizations and entities that participate in BDS—in short allowing the government to punish groups for their political beliefs and actions. While J Street U does not support the BDS Movement and does not think that divestment is the most effective way of addressing Israel’s relationship with Palestine, the Combating BDS Act infringes on the First Amendment right to free speech and threatens the prospect of a peaceful two-state solution. Harmful legislation such as this is not the way to oppose the BDS Movement.
Though this bill passed through the Senate, it has not yet passed the House of Representatives. We encourage you all to reach out to your congressperson and tell them to vote AGAINST the Combating BDS Act, either over the phone or through this form via the J Street website.
The Combating BDS Act has been widely criticized over First Amendment concerns and language that undermines America's commitment to a two-state solution. The bill would authorize states to penalize companies and certain individuals who participate in certain boycotts of Israeli goods -- or even good...