Senate: Protect Free Speech. Don't Send Americans to Jail for Boycotting.
- by: Alex B
- recipient: U.S. Senate
$1 million in fines and 20 years in prison for boycotting. This sounds like a nightmare from Russia, but this could actually be the United States if we don't act now. 43 U.S. senators recently introduced S. 720, or the Israel Anti-Boycott Act, which criminalizes support for the international boycott against Israel, sending boycotters to jail for up to 20 years.
From the Montgomery Bus Boycott during the American civil rights movement and the Grape Boycott for migrant workers' rights, to the Anti-Apartheid Boycotts against South Africa's racist policies — boycotts are one of the oldest forms of protest that have led to crucial historical successes. We use boycotts to demonstrate our beliefs with our purchasing power. You might boycott zoos to show that you do not stand for animal captivity. Or you could boycott a certain company or country because you don't want to contribute to human rights abuses.
This law could set a frightening legal precedent that could make all of the above a felony. Next, the government could expand its reach and criminalize other types of activism or conscientious boycotting.
As activists, any of us could be targeted if this law passes. Regardless of where you stand on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, we can all agree that the right to boycott is fundamental. We have the right to speak out against any injustice.
Have these 43 senators forgotten what the First Amendment is? Free speech is a universal human right. No one should be criminalized for expressing their beliefs in a peaceful, nonviolent way.
Please sign the petition today to tell the Senate to oppose this dangerous act. It is a violation of our First Amendment rights and we will not let it pass.
Dear [Senator],
43 U.S. senators recently introduced a law that criminalizes support for the international boycott against Israel. S. 720, also known as the Israel Anti-Boycott Act, would make it a felony charge to boycott Israel, sending boycotters to jail for up to 20 years.
From the Montgomery Bus Boycott during the American civil rights movement and the 1960s Grape Boycott in protest of migrant worker abuses, to the Anti-Apartheid Boycotts against South Africa's racist policies -- boycotts are one of the oldest forms of protest that have led to crucial historical successes. We use boycotts to demonstrate own personal and political beliefs with our purchasing power. It is our right to speak out against
any injustice.
Free speech is a universal human right, protected in the U.S. by the First Amendment. No one should be criminalized for expressing their beliefs in a peaceful, nonviolent way.
I urge you to oppose S. 720. This dangerous act is a violation of our First Amendment rights and I strongly implore you not to let it pass.
[Your comments]
Sincerely,
[Your name]
