FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31st, 2023
McGuire Anti-Discrimination Bill to be Voted On
RICHMOND, VA – Delegate John McGuire introduced HB 1898 to prevent contractors who engage in business with the Virginia government and Virginia public universities from boycotting Israel. The bill also establishes penalties if these guidelines are not followed including fines and a ban from further business with Virginia.
The global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement is an Antisemitic and discriminatory effort designed to destroy Israel as a Jewish state through economic means.
While Virginia passed a non-binding anti-BDS resolution in March 2016, it has not passed a statutory anti-BDS law that prevents businesses who contract with public bodies from boycotting Israel.
Similar Bills passed in over 30 states. The House General Laws Subcommittee #4, will vote on this bill today, January 31st, 2023.
“The country of Israel is one of our strongest allies. BDS singles out Israel while ignoring human rights abuses in other parts of the world. Unfortunately, Antisemitism is on the rise, and we have news of people spreading hate in Charlottesville as recently as this last weekend. The 180,000 Jewish people in Virginia should not be subject to discrimination based on their religion. It's easy to understand, if you were to replace the words "Jewish People" with "Black People" or "Hispanic People", etc. - then everyone would see they would be opposed to this kid of hate and boycott. Reach out to your delegates and urge them to pass this bill” said Delegate John McGuire, Candidate for Virginia Senate District 10.
You can find the legislation online and read the resolution text HERE.
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