WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Israel Project today congratulated the Pennsylvania state legislature for passing a bill that combats the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign. The legislation prevents state agencies from contracting with any organization that wages destructive economic warfare on the Jewish state.
Specifically, this legislation prohibits the state from contracting with companies, organizations, and other entities that are engaged in boycotts based on race, religion, gender, national affiliation, or national origin.
This bipartisan bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Matthew Baker (R) with 26 cosponsors from both parties, and passed by a vote of 181-9. In the Senate, the bill passed by an overwhelming 47-1 margin. Gov. Tom Wolf is expected to sign the bill into law in the coming days.
BDS discrimination aims not only to delegitimize Israel, but also to put an end to its very existence. Supporters of the hateful initiative have publicly stated that they wish to see a world without Israel, a view that is unmistakably anti-Semitic.
The hatred espoused by this insidious campaign singles out the only Jewish state for punishment, despite Israel's status as the only democracy in the Middle East and a beacon of values like freedom of expression, freedom of the press and women's rights. This exposes the true intent of its backers.
The passage of this bill ensures that taxpayer dollars will not fund anti-Semitism, and steadfastly recommits the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to an unshakeable relationship with Israel based on shared values and shared interests.
“Today, the people of Pennsylvania said loudly and clearly that there is no place for discrimination in the Keystone State,” said The Israel Project President and CEO Josh Block. “As the birthplace of our nation, Pennsylvania has a long and storied history of standing up for what’s right, and today the state’s commitment to justice and equality for all was on full display.”
Similar laws have been passed in more than a dozen states as people around the nation stand up against bigotry and hatred.
About The Israel Project
The Israel Project (TIP) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization that provides factual information about Israel and the Middle East to the press, policymakers and the public. Founded in 2003, TIP works in multiple languages to provide real-time background information, images, maps, audio, video, graphics and direct access to newsmakers. To learn more about TIP, visit http://www.theisraelproject.org.