Ending Boycott Of Israel In California
Sacramento, CA — A bill has gained bi-partisan support as it calls for halting contracts with companies that follow another global campaign involving economic sanctions on Israel in regards to the country’s dealings with Palestine.
AB 1552 prohibits California from contracting with businesses that engage in boycotts against Israel. Proponents of the bill seek to end taxpayer funding for a discriminatory Boycott, Divest, and Sanction (BDS) movement against Israel. The BDS is a Palestinian backed campaign that advocates increased economic and political pressure against Israel.
Wednesday, co-author of the bill, Assemblyman Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach) announced a large group of supporters, including former Assembly Speaker, Democrat John Perez of Los Angeles. Allen stated, “The fight against discrimination is a non-partisan issue that unites Californians from all sides of the political spectrum. California and Israel have historically stood together as allies due to our unique bond founded on shared values, a strong bilateral trade relationship, and our unwavering commitment to freedom and democracy. As the seventh largest economy in the world, the nation is looking to California to end discrimination against our key ally, Israel. The time is now to come together behind AB 1552 and join the movement to defeat anti-Semitism and hate speech across our nation.”
Allen added that the bill would ensure that the states relationships with trading partners and allies are not undermined by companies in California and abroad.
