Kansas Judge Blocks State Law Barring Contractors From Boycotting Israel

A federal judge in Kansas just blocked a law that would bar contractors from boycotting Israel — a ruling that in effect gives a thumbs-up to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement.

U.S. District Judge Daniel Crabtree ruled that First Amendment rights protect those who want to boycott Israel.

In October, YouTube warned of the spread of the BDS movement in the United States:

This Kansas case was brought to court as a challenge of state law from the American Civil Liberties Union.

Ynet News has more:

A federal judge has temporarily blocked a Kansas law barring state contractors from participating in boycotts against Israel, saying the state law violates their free speech rights.

US District Judge Daniel Crabtree ruled Tuesday that the US Supreme Court has held that the “First Amendment protects the right to participate in a boycott like the one punished by the Kansas law.”

Crabtree granted the request from the American Civil Liberties Union to block enforcement of the law while the case proceeds. The judge found it is “highly likely” that the Kansas law is invalid and blocking it protects a constitutional right.

The law that took effect in July prohibits the state from entering into contracts with individuals or companies participating in a boycott of Israel.

Twenty-four states have such policies.

Last week, the New Orleans City Council unanimously rescinded a human rights resolution, two weeks after approval of the seemingly benign measure sparked accusations that members had unwittingly played into the hands of international anti-Israel extremists and anti-Semites.