US States Employ Anti-Boycott Legislation to Penalize Ethical Companies
US States Employ Anti-Boycott Legislation to Penalize Ethical Companies
Human Rights Watch reported today that numerous states in the United States are utilizing anti-boycott laws and executive orders to penalize companies refusing to engage in business with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The organization highlighted that over 250 million Americans, constituting 78 percent of the population, reside in states enforcing anti-boycott laws or policies.
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In 27 states, laws or policies have been implemented to penalize entities or individuals supporting or calling for boycotts against Israel, with 17 of those explicitly targeting companies refusing business dealings with Israeli settlements. Human Rights Watch argued that these laws hinder companies from disentangling themselves from activities contributing to rights abuses in the settlements, urging states to promote rather than penalize such actions.
The organization emphasized the impossibility of conducting business in settlements without contributing to human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law. Anti-boycott laws are perceived as deterrents preventing companies from severing ties with settlements, perpetuating their involvement in rights abuses. Human Rights Watch urged states to eliminate laws penalizing companies for actions that terminate their association with rights abuses.
The Foundation for Middle East Peace identified 17 states with laws penalizing businesses boycotting Israel or Israeli settlements. The report detailed the intertwining of Israeli settlements with serious rights abuses, including displacing Palestinian inhabitants and restricting their freedom of movement.
The article discussed the US Senate's endorsement of state anti-boycott legislation in 2019 and the introduction of resolutions condemning Israeli boycotts in both the Senate and House in March. However, none of these initiatives has become federal law. The ACLU has challenged the constitutionality of some state laws, arguing violations of freedom of expression.
The global context of anti-boycott laws was highlighted, underscoring their alignment with Israel's campaign against perceived supporters of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The BDS movement advocates boycotting Israel until it ends its occupation, treats Palestinian citizens equally, and acknowledges the right of Palestinian refugees to return.
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The article noted instances where states took punitive measures against Airbnb after it announced its decision to stop listing properties in settlements. Some states targeted companies that refused to do business in settlements, even when their laws did not explicitly cover Israeli-controlled territories. The impact of such laws on human rights was illustrated through a case study detailing how companies engaging in settlement business directly contribute to abuses.
In conclusion, the article highlighted the contentious issue of anti-boycott laws in the United States, emphasizing their global context and potential impact on human rights.
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