1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing as a concerned constituent to express my strong opposition to H.R. 867, the IGO Anti-Boycott Act. This legislation poses significant threats to our constitutional rights, democratic principles, and civil liberties. Threat to First Amendment Rights H.R. 867 seeks to amend the Anti-Boycott Act of 2018 to extend its provisions to include boycotts imposed by international governmental organizations (IGOs). While the bill aims to counteract discriminatory practices, it inadvertently infringes upon the First Amendment rights of U.S. citizens. Participation in boycotts, especially those aligned with international human rights initiatives, is a form of political expression protected under the Constitution. Criminalizing such participation undermines our fundamental freedoms. Empowerment of Law Enforcement Overreach By criminalizing certain forms of protest and dissent, H.R. 867 could empower law enforcement agencies to suppress legitimate political expression. This sets a dangerous precedent where governmental authorities might overstep their bounds, leading to potential abuses of power and the erosion of public trust. Unenforceable and Vague Provisions The bill’s language lacks clarity regarding what constitutes participation in an IGO-imposed boycott. This vagueness could lead to arbitrary enforcement and legal challenges, rendering the law ineffective and burdensome on the judicial system. Undermining Democratic Values Democracy thrives on open discourse and the ability of citizens to express dissenting opinions. H.R. 867 threatens this by penalizing individuals for aligning with international efforts that may critique or challenge certain foreign policies. Such measures could stifle healthy debate and discourage civic engagement. In light of these concerns, I urge you to oppose H.R. 867 and advocate for legislation that upholds our constitutional rights and democratic values. Protecting civil liberties should remain paramount in our legislative endeavors. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.