Protect Free Speech, Oppose Anti-BDS Legislation

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THE MESSAGE:

Protect Free Speech, Reject Anti-BDS Legislation

Americans have long used the nonviolent tools of boycott and divestment to work for a more just society. These have proven to be powerful tools for social change, from strengthening labor rights for farm workers to ending apartheid in South Africa.

The U.S. Supreme Court has established clearly that participation in such boycotts is a form of speech (or expression) that is protected under the U.S. constitution.

This week, seventeen top leaders in Christian organizations and denominations have sent a letter to all members of Congress, on the subject of the "Israel Anti-Boycott Act" under consideration in the Senate and House (S720 and HR1697).

The letter says in part:

"We are concerned by any legislation that suppresses legitimate criticism of public policy, and that restricts freedom of expression and our ability to determine our own witness through investment and selective purchasing practices. While we may not be of one mind about which measures are most effective, we collectively affirm and defend the right of churches and organizations to use economic measures in the specific case of Israel-Palestine.

This is consistent with how churches and church-related organizations have employed economic measures as nonviolent tactics in many instances of seeking justice and peace throughout history."

Signers of that letter include leaders from The National Council of Churches, The United Methodist Church, The Presbyterian Church (USA), The United Church of Christ, The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, The Mennonite Church USA, and four Roman Catholic bodies: the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, Pax Christi USA and Pax Christi International, among other signers.

Please see more about that call to Congress and a link to the full letter with all signers, at this address: http://www.globalministries.org/christian_leaders_call_on_congress_to_oppose_the_israel_anti_boycott_act

As that letter makes clear, regardless of how individual citizens or legislators feel about this specific movement, it is vital that our elected officials preserve the right of all Americans to support such causes without fear of penalties from the government.

The ACLU and other civil liberties groups have warned that anti-BDS legislation is an extremely grave attack on free speech that threatens the use of boycotts, divestment, and sanctions for other peace and justice causes.

I strongly urge you to protect our right to free speech and reject anti-BDS legislation as an infringement on the rights of American citizens.

Respectfully,

___________________________

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Subject: Protect Free Speech, Reject Anti-BDS Legislation

Message:

I am deeply concerned by legislation - recently passed in many states and currently proposed in Congress - that penalizes participation in the nonviolent BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement for Palestinian human rights.

Americans have long used the nonviolent tools of boycott and divestment to work for a more just society. These have proven to be powerful tools for social change, from strengthening labor rights for farm workers to ending apartheid in South Africa.

The U.S. Supreme Court has established clearly that participation in such boycotts is a form of speech (or expression) that is protected under the U.S. constitution.

This week, seventeen top leaders in Christian organizations and denominations have sent a letter to all members of Congress, on the subject of the "Israel Anti-Boycott Act" under consideration in the Senate and House (S720 and HR1697).

The letter says in part:

"We are concerned by any legislation that suppresses legitimate criticism of public policy, and that restricts freedom of expression and our ability to determine our own witness through investment and selective purchasing practices. While we may not be of one mind about which measures are most effective, we collectively affirm and defend the right of churches and organizations to use economic measures in the specific case of Israel-Palestine.

This is consistent with how churches and church-related organizations have employed economic measures as nonviolent tactics in many instances of seeking justice and peace throughout history."

Signers of that letter include leaders from The National Council of Churches, The United Methodist Church, The Presbyterian Church (USA), The United Church of Christ, The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, The Mennonite Church USA, and four Roman Catholic bodies: the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, Pax Christi USA and Pax Christi International, among other signers.

Please see more about that call to Congress and a link to the full letter with all signers, at this address: http://www.globalministries.org/christian_leaders_call_on_congress_to_oppose_the_israel_anti_boycott_act

As that letter makes clear, regardless of how individual citizens or legislators feel about this specific movement, it is vital that our elected officials preserve the right of all Americans to support such causes without fear of penalties from the government.

The ACLU and other civil liberties groups have warned that anti-BDS legislation is an extremely grave attack on free speech that threatens the use of boycotts, divestment, and sanctions for other peace and justice causes.

I strongly urge you to protect our right to free speech and reject anti-BDS legislation as an infringement on the rights of American citizens.

Respectfully,