A group of Palestinian activists in Arizona went down to the state capitol to challenge a well oiled effort by Israeli partisans to introduce a new and "improved" version of a previous anti-BDS (Boycotts, Divestment & Sanctions) law that was enacted in 2016, and has, subsequently, been struck down by a federal judge in AZ for violating freedom of speech (for details see: "Bill seeks to replace pro-Israel law found unconstitutional"). A hearing was held by the Arizona House Committee on International & State Affairs on Senate bill S.1167, the anti-BDS legislation. Present at the hearing was an Israeli partisan lawyer from Washington, DC arguing for the anti-BDS legislation. Ultimately, the bill passed the House of Representatives by a margin of 37 to 21, with 2 abstentions. It, also, passed passed the Senate and was signed into law by the governor. It is interesting to note that the 2016 legislation passed by a larger margin of 46-14 in the House. Opposition is growing! ACLU lawyer, Brian Hauss sums it up in his article "Arizona Lawmakers Running Scared After Anti-Boycott Law Ruled Unconstitutional." And, more encouraging news comes from Texas where another anti-BDS law has been declared unconstitutional in a federal court ("Court Rules Texas Anti-Boycott Law is Unconstitutional, Protects First Amendment Right to Boycott"). This 28 minute podcast discusses and analyzes the inspirational challenges made to the legislation in Arizona.
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free