The ongoing devastation in Palestine, and Israel, must be ended. Our hearts are breaking as it seems all reason has fled the scene. Many of us have sent money, supplies, prayers; attended protests, participated in international aid events, and spoken to our congregations and communities about what lies ahead.

The MN BDS Community (Boycott, Sanctions, Divestment) has worked with fellow organizations to address Israel’s oppressive occupation of Palestine and apartheid against Palestinians. A particular grievance for our community is that Governor Dayton, in 2017, signed into law restrictions for vendors contracting with the State, specifically disallowing boycotts of Israel (MN Statute 16C.053).

Years of organizing, discussions with legislators, requests of Attorney General Keith Ellison, research, protests, etc. culminated in the introduction of SF 3356 in the MN Senate and HF 3258 in the MN House, both repealing the anti-boycott restrictions. The MN BDS Community, with its allies, wants to ensure that these bills become law.

What is at stake here? Our First Amendment rights of freedom of speech, freedom to protest! Thirty-eight states in the US have similar (if not identical) anti-boycott laws. In fact, these anti-Israel boycott laws are a template for the future outlawing of boycotts in general.