Almost half of the US Senate and over 50 per cent of the House of Representatives have signed a proposed bill which would outlaw boycotts against Israel.
The proposed “Israel Anti-Boycott Act”, co-sponsored by Republican and Democratic Senators, would “amend the Export Administration Act of 1979 to include in the prohibitions on boycotts against allies of the United States boycotts fostered by international governmental organizations against Israel”. It would also “direct the Export-Import Bank of the United States to oppose boycotts against Israel, and for other purposes”.
Those violating the bill could receive a fine of anywhere between $250,000 and $1 million, and up to 20 years in prison.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has spoken out against the bill, saying it “violates first amendment rights”.
