Utah becomes latest US state to pass anti-BDS bill
Utah has become the latest US state to pass a bill targeting the pro-Palestinian BDS movement.
The bill was sponsored by Utah State Sen. Daniel Hemmert and State Rep. Joel Ferry, known as the Anti-Boycott Israel Amendments.
This bill prohibits participation by certain entities and individuals in boycotts or requests for boycotts to the occupation state.
Under current law, a person who violates the prohibitions against such boycotts may be subject to a monetary fine or imprisonment.
The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, as it defines itself, works to end international support for Israel’s oppression of Palestinians and pressure ‘Israel’ to comply with international law.
To date, 32 states have adopted laws, executive orders and/or resolutions designed to discourage boycotts against the occupation state.
The bill will now head to Gov. Spencer Cox, who is expected to sign it into law.
“I believe the passage of S.B. 186 is essential to demonstrate Utah’s continued support of Israel’s rights as a nation to engage in free trade without the unwarranted attempts to do damage to its economy. Israel is the U.S.’s best friend in the region and we should stand with her as opportunities allow,” said Christians United for Israel(CUFI) Utah state director Craig McCune.
The pro-Israel community in the United States has made combating the BDS movement one of its principal goals in recent years, due to its aims which are against the occupation of Palestine.
