Arizona to Reinstall Freedom of Speech by Changing Current Law
Arizona has now declared that dissent about the conduct of a foreign country (Israel) is punishable by economic business blacklisting of Arizona‘s. Today, we’re launching a campaign to protect the right to dissent because it is a bedrock of American freedom. Here’s what the law that we are seeking to repeal currently does.
Details of the Arizona Government Oath to Israel
If you run a business with more than 10 employees and have are seeking a contract for over one hundred thousand dollars, you must sign a government oath saying you will not participate in a peaceful boycott of Israel. You sign the government oath or you lose the contract. This is about government putting its thumb on the scale of a political debate from the Boston Tea Party to the civil rights movements.
Arizona Steps up for Freedom of Speech and Business Owners
Americans have used boycott to bring about political change. So our campaign is simple. Restore the right to dissent. If you believe that no Arizona should have to surrender their First Amendment rights and their rights under the Arizona Constitution, join us. This isn’t abstract.
Under the Prior Version of the Right to Dissent Law
A county jail couldn’t pay a contract lawyer who refused to sign the government oath. A university was pressured to cancel a speaker. Today, a small business with more than 10 employees must choose between its values and its livelihood if they boycott Israel. Here’s the kicker. The legislature narrowed the law in 2019 not to protect free speech, but to make it nearly impossible for anyone to sue. It’s a legal trap designed to chill dissent and protect while hiding from judicial review.
