Gov. Christie Urged to Veto Bill Intended to Suppress Human Rights Boycotts

Earlier today, the New Jersey State Assembly passed a bill that is intended to suppress the right of New Jerseyans to engage in boycotts and divestment campaigns related to Israeli human rights abuses.

Following strong opposition from civil liberties and community organizations, including the ACLU NJ, concerned about the threat posed to the First Amendment right of New Jerseyans to engage in boycotts and other economic acts of conscience, the original Assembly bill (A925) was amended on June 16. However, instead of sending the amended bill back to the Senate, today the Assembly voted on the Senate version of the bill (S1923), meaning it now goes directly to the desk of Governor Chris Christie to be signed into law.

"We urge Governor Christie to veto this McCarthyite attack on the rights of conscientious American citizens who support boycott and divestment campaigns for Palestinian rights," said David Surrey, a member of Jewish Voice for Peace of Northern Jersey. "The manner in which this bill passed, with little public debate or input and despite strong opposition, is very concerning. Wherever New Jerseyans stand on Israel and Palestine, they should oppose these undemocratic and unconstitutional efforts to suppress the rights of all Americans.”