URGENT: Help Stop Ohio’s Anti-BDS Bill Today!
Did you hear that Ohio’s House of Representatives passed HB 476, Ohio’s anti-boycott, divestment, and sanctions bill last week?
This free-speech-crushing unconstitutional bill seeks to punish companies that support the Palestinian-led campaign for boycott, divestment, and sanctions, a nonviolent campaign to achieve Palestinians’ long-denied right to freedom, justice, and equality. Even though this bill passed the House, we still have time to stop it in the Senate. Write and call your Senator today and tell them to vote NO on HB 476.
In addition to the anti-free speech elements, there is language in the bill that works to legitimize the illegal Israeli settlements. This is not only against international law, but is contrary to the US’ own policies regarding illegal Israeli settlements! Additionally, at the last minute last week, an amendment was added to the bill that would allow Ohio’s investments in Israeli bonds to be doubled.
The Ohio Senate has hearings on the bill starting tomorrow, Tuesday, December 6 and we want to make sure to register as much opposition to the bill as possible before then. The Freedom to Boycott in Ohio coalition has been working tirelessly for the past few months to make sure that this bill does not become law (check out their Facebook page here). Now let’s do our part as constituents and tell our own Senators to vote against HB 476.
Your voice makes a big difference! Last week, there were 13 Representatives that voted against the bill in the House, let’s make sure that the voices for free speech and Palestinian rights are even louder on the Senate side. We know that this bill is part of a larger push from the opposition to stifle a growing movement for justice in Palestine, so let’s show them just how many Ohioans support this growing movement today!
We can’t let them legislate our constitutionally-protected right to advocate for politically-motivated boycott and divestments. Write and call your Senator today and tell them to vote NO on HB 476.
