Anti-BDS Bill
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Anti-BDS Bill

A Threat to Freedom of Speech

26
Anti-BDS Bill
Tablet

BDS, short for Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions, is an economic form of protest wherein businesses and individuals refuse to do business with a certain country or sell products from said country until it makes changes to how it governs. Currently, it is used in reference to those who are boycotting Israel citing its settlements on Palestinian land. BDS programs have been used throughout history. For example, a BDS type program was also used against apartheid South Africa, and it played a major role in ending the regime.

Currently, in the United States Senate, there is a bill that would criminalize BDS called the Israel Anti-Boycott Act. The summary of the bill (S.720 or its House counterpart H.R. 1697) states that "the bill prohibits any U.S. person engaged interstate or foreign commerce from supporting:

  • any request by a foreign country to impose any boycott against a country that is friendly to the United States and that is not itself the object of any form of boycott pursuant to United States law or regulation, or
  • any boycott fostered or imposed by any international governmental organization against Israel or any request by any international governmental organization to impose such a boycott." (Congress.gov)

No matter what your feeling are towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, this is a huge violation of freedom of speech. The ACLU has come out in full strength against the bill. Even Senator Gillibrand, who originally co-sponsored the bill wants it to contain greater protections for an individual's freedom of speech in the bill. Still, this bill is currently co-sponsored by 48 of the Senators (including Senator Schumer, meaning it only needs 3 more votes to be able to pass the Senate. Even in today's heavily divided political environment, this bill sees bipartisan support.There is a similar bill in the House. The House bill has 252 co-sponsors.

They claim that BDS undermines US support for Israel. Yes, that's kind of the point. People have the freedom of speech to not spend their money so that the United States changes their stance. Outlawing that is no different than saying it's illegal to boycott Trump products because it undermines the President. Preventing people from carrying out a boycott violates their right to protest what they see as wrong. Furthermore, BDS is not hate speech. Criticizing Israel is not hate speech. Sure, there are anti-Semites who do it, but many more are seeking freedom for the Palestinian people. When there are actual Neo-Nazis marching in the streets chanting "Jew will not replace us," there's your anti-Semitism. Don't waste time violating freedom of speech; spend time attacking those who would threaten our people.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70981
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132542
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments