Boycotts are a constitutionally protected form of free speech and peaceful protest. Yet several states have enacted laws aimed at suppressing the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. These laws compel individuals and businesses to declare they are not participating in boycotts against Israel in order to obtain state contracts or employment. However, three separate federal courts have now ruled such anti-BDS laws violate the First Amendment right to free speech. The latest ruling from a Texas court stated these laws "threaten to suppress unpopular ideas and manipulate public debate through coercion rather than persuasion." Just as the government cannot force speech, it also cannot prohibit boycotts based on their viewpoint or motivating cause. I urge you to uphold constitutional free speech protections by opposing anti-BDS legislation and supporting the right to boycott as a form of political expression.
