To: Governor Gavin Newsom
Governor Brown: Veto bill that punishes free speech
Governor Brown: Veto bill A.B.2844, an anti-free speech measure that punishes companies and corporations who participate in the international boycott movement against Israel over policies that infringe on human rights of Palestinians. The state punishing peaceful political action and dissent runs counter to our fundamental democratic principles and has far-reaching consequences for freedom of speech.
Why is this important?
On August 30, both houses in California’s legislature passed a bill to ban government contracts to companies that choose to participate in a boycott against Israel. [1]
It is now on Governor Brown’s desk—where the option to veto a bill that suppresses free speech and lawful political expression is wide open.
The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement provides a form of nonviolent political expression and action to allow people of conscience to participate in the ongoing Palestinian struggle for justice. In recent years, the movement has gained major traction, including among young people across university campuses and within large organizations, such as the U.S. Presbyterian Church and United Methodist Church.
No matter what one thinks of the BDS movement, attempting to stifle political opinions and actions echoes the McCarthy era. This bill is an attempt to curb the rights of anyone who seeks to highlight the injustices perpetrated against Palestinians.
According to a coalition of over 100 civil society organizations including the Center for Constitutional Rights, bill A.B.2844 is “both an attack on the constitutional rights of Californians and a waste of taxpayer money.” [1]
By not vetoing this bill, Gov. Brown will be ignoring the rights of Californians to dissent and take action on their political beliefs without being penalized by the government.
Sign this petition to demand that Gov. Brown vetoes bill A.B.2844.
Sources:
1. “California Lawmakers OK Bill Penalizing Companies Boycotting Israel.” Telesur, September 1, 2016
http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Calif.nbspLawmakers-OK-Bill-Penalizing-Companies-Boycotting-Israel-20160901-0004.html
It is now on Governor Brown’s desk—where the option to veto a bill that suppresses free speech and lawful political expression is wide open.
The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement provides a form of nonviolent political expression and action to allow people of conscience to participate in the ongoing Palestinian struggle for justice. In recent years, the movement has gained major traction, including among young people across university campuses and within large organizations, such as the U.S. Presbyterian Church and United Methodist Church.
No matter what one thinks of the BDS movement, attempting to stifle political opinions and actions echoes the McCarthy era. This bill is an attempt to curb the rights of anyone who seeks to highlight the injustices perpetrated against Palestinians.
According to a coalition of over 100 civil society organizations including the Center for Constitutional Rights, bill A.B.2844 is “both an attack on the constitutional rights of Californians and a waste of taxpayer money.” [1]
By not vetoing this bill, Gov. Brown will be ignoring the rights of Californians to dissent and take action on their political beliefs without being penalized by the government.
Sign this petition to demand that Gov. Brown vetoes bill A.B.2844.
Sources:
1. “California Lawmakers OK Bill Penalizing Companies Boycotting Israel.” Telesur, September 1, 2016
http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Calif.nbspLawmakers-OK-Bill-Penalizing-Companies-Boycotting-Israel-20160901-0004.html