Upholds state’s ban on public contractor boycotts against Israel.
The Supreme Court declined another lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) this week, which challenged Arkansas’ law requiring their government contractors to sign an agreement upon hiring never to never boycott Israel.
The ACLU said boycotts are an “enduring part of the fabric of American public discourse,” citing historic boycotts that took place during the Revolutionary War, the Civil Rights Movement, and even the present day, such as boycotts of Planned Parenthood by conservative groups.
The lawsuit was originally dismissed by the 8th Circuit Court last year, which said that Arkansas’ law does not violate free speech because it only prohibits commercial conduct, not expression. “It does not ban Arkansas Times from publicly criticizing Israel, or even protesting the statute itself. It only prohibits economic decisions that discriminate against Israel,” the 8th Circuit concluded.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For discernment for the justices as they consider the appeals they will hear regarding First Amendment rights.
- For the justices of the Supreme Court to seek God’s leading as they decide and rule on cases.
Sources: Washington Times, Reuters
