Good news! H.R. 867, the “International Governmental Organizations Anti-Boycott Act,” has been pulled from the House schedule this week following significant grassroots opposition.
But the fight isn’t over yet: Now is the time to keep the pressure up! We must remain vigilant and proactive to ensure this bill does not return for a floor vote.
Take Action Now:Tell Congress to Oppose H.R. 867!
Over the May 3rd weekend, your advocacy alongside CAIR’s action alert generated more than 3,000 messages to the U.S. House of Representatives, amplifying warnings about the severe threat to free speech rights posed by this anti-boycott legislation. Thanks to your efforts and those of civil rights, human rights, and pro-Palestinian organizations across the nation, as well as bipartisan opposition from Republican members of Congress like Rep. Thomas Massie and conservative activists, House leadership was forced to cancel this week’s planned vote.
H.R. 867 would expand the Anti-Boycott Act of 2018 by criminalizing compliance with or support for boycotts called for by international governmental organizations (IGOs) such as the United Nations. Under this law, American individuals, businesses, or advocacy organizations could face civil penalties, criminal fines of up to $1 million, and even imprisonment of up to 20 years for aligning with internationally backed calls to boycott Israel or companies complicit in its human rights abuses.
The right to boycott is an intrinsic part of the First Amendment and a cornerstone of American democracy, from resisting British colonial rule to supporting civil rights and opposing apartheid in South Africa. That right must not be infringed.
This bill would criminalize U.S. individuals and businesses who support peaceful, internationally recognized calls for human rights accountability. It would chill constitutionally protected political speech and advocacy, particularly efforts to end U.S. complicity in Israel’s crimes against Palestinians. And it would set a dangerous precedent by empowering the federal government to punish Americans for exercising moral, ethical, and political convictions.
Protect free speech, protect your right to boycott, and keep standing up against unjust policies. Together, we are making a difference!
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-999-8292, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com