Maryland: Remove attack on anti-occupation speech from budget bill

A provision that defines boycotts against Israeli policies towards the Palestinians as anti-Semitism (1) was inserted into the House version of the Maryland budget bill without any vote or public hearing (2). This language is not in the version of the budget passed by the Senate.

The two versions of the budget bill will go to a conference committee which will decide the final language. The Maryland Senate and House will then vote on the bill, but no further changes will be allowed.

A similar resolution has been defeated in Illinois. (3) Similar legislation is pending in New York, Florida, Kansas, and the U.S. Congress. (4)

South African Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, a leader in the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement that helped overthrow apartheid in South Africa, has challenged the Maryland provision and similar legislation as an attack on free speech in support of justice in Israel and Palestine. (5)

Maryland legislators and Governor Martin O'Malley should insist that the offensive anti-boycott language in the House version of the budget bill be removed.

References:
1. “Amendment to senate bill 170, as amended,” http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2014RS/amds/bil_0000/sb0170_92322801.pdf
2. “New Developments on Anti-Boycott Efforts in MD State Legislature:
Immediate Action Needed,” http://www.freespeechfreestate.org/final_action
3. “Anti-Boycott Resolution Rejected in Illinois State Senate Committee,” Center for Constitutional Rights, http://palestinelegalsupport.org/2014/04/02/anti-boycott-resolution-rejected-in-illinois-state-senate-committee/
4. “Questions about free speech, anti-Semitism roil debate on academic boycott of Israel,” Renee Schoof, McClatchy, March 17, 2014, http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2014/03/17/221495/questions-about-free-speech-anti.html

5. “Statement from Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu on US anti-BDS legislation,” http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/node/1502