A US federal appeals court on Wed. upheld an Arkansas state law requiring all public contractors to assure authorities they will not boycott Israel, ruling that the restriction is not a violation of freedom of speech.
In 2017, Arkansas mandated that all contractors must affirm they do not boycott Israel before they can do business with public agencies.
Arkansas' anti-BDS laws violate the first amendment and endanger the free speech of all Americans. This legislation is government overreach, and the state should not have the power to dictate what causes people can and cannot support. Arkansas is unconstitutionally targeting pro-Palestinian activists.
BDS is anti-semitic and is economic warfare against Israel. Progressive groups are using free speech arguments to justify their discrimination against Jewish groups. People that demonize and boycott Israel should not receive aid from the state. This court decision is a victory for Israel and those who support it.