The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote Monday on the International Governmental Organizations Anti-Boycott Act (H.R. 867). The proposed legislation aims to broaden existing U.S. anti-boycott measures to include actions taken by international governmental organizations, specifically those targeting Israel.
Sponsored by Representatives Mike Lawler of New York and Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, the bill would amend the Export Control Reform Act of 2018. This change would prohibit U.S. individuals and companies from complying with or supporting boycotts against Israel initiated by IGOs such as the United Nations or the European Union.
Americans found in violation of the IGO Anti Boycott Act could face civil penalties, criminal fines reaching $1 million, and potential prison sentences up to 20 years. The bill also requires the President to provide an annual report to Congress and the public detailing countries and international organizations that promote such boycotts.
Proponents of the legislation argue it is needed to counter what they describe as discriminatory economic warfare against Israel. They state the bill closes a gap in current law that allows international bodies to pressure U.S. entities into participating in boycott campaigns. Organizations supporting the measure include AIPAC and the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
Critics, including civil liberties groups, raise concerns that the IGO Anti-Boycott Act threatens constitutionally protected political expression and non-violent protest. They argue that supporting or participating in boycotts for political reasons should remain permissible.
The bill previously passed the House with bipartisan support but did not advance in the Senate. With Republicans holding control of both chambers, the legislation is again moving forward.
The Anti-Boycott Act of 2018, part of the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA), currently bars U.S. persons and entities from adhering to unsanctioned foreign boycotts that conflict with U.S. policy. This law primarily targets boycotts imposed by foreign countries against allies of the United States. Current countries listed under this provision include Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Yemen, though it can apply to other boycotts conflicting with U.S. policy.
The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement targeting Israel is a stated focus of the IGO Anti Boycott Act (HR 867). Supporters of BDS argue that boycotts are a historical tactic for achieving political goals, citing examples like civil rights boycotts or those against apartheid in South Africa.
In Illinois, where anti-boycott legislation passed in 2015, Sheri Maali of the Illinois Coalition for Human Rights described the impact. "Why are we punishing people for standing against human rights violations?" Maali asked.
