1. United States
2. Minn.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to H.R. 867, the "IGO Anti-Boycott Act," which was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 31, 2025, and is currently pending before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. This bill seeks to amend the Anti-Boycott Act of 2018 to extend its provisions to international governmental organizations (IGOs). While the intent may be to promote fair trade practices, I am concerned that this legislation could inadvertently infringe upon the rights of American businesses and individuals to engage in lawful and ethical boycotts, particularly in situations where such actions are aligned with human rights considerations. The application of anti-boycott provisions to IGOs could lead to unintended consequences, including: Chilling Effect on Free Speech: Individuals and organizations may be deterred from expressing dissenting views or engaging in advocacy related to human rights issues for fear of legal repercussions. Economic Impacts: Businesses might face increased legal risks and potential penalties for participating in boycotts that are deemed to be in violation of the amended Act, even if such actions are in line with ethical or moral standards. Diplomatic Tensions: The enforcement of anti-boycott provisions against IGOs could strain relationships with international partners and complicate diplomatic efforts. FastDemocracy +5 Quiver Quantitative +5 LegiScan +5 I urge you to carefully consider these potential ramifications and to oppose H.R. 867 in its current form. Upholding the rights of individuals and businesses to make ethical decisions, including participation in boycotts, is essential to maintaining the integrity of our democratic values. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to your response and to seeing your continued commitment to protecting the rights of your constituents.