Kentucky has become one of more than two-dozen states to ban state resources from going towards companies that boycott Israeli products and services. Capitol reporter Ryland Barton says Gov. Matt Bevin issued an executive order freezing out those who support the boycott.
Bevin is requiring state contractors to promise that they don’t participate in the divestment and sanctions movement known as “BDS.” BDS advocates say the movement is a peaceful way to support the Palestinian cause and oppose Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. But during a presentation with Israeli officials in the State Capitol last week, Bevin called the BDS movement anti-Semitic.
“This BDS movement seems innocuous enough, seems that it may not be worthy of sounding an alarm. But it’s repugnant, it’s morally reprehensible it truly is.”
The executive order will require companies and individuals doing business with the state to sign a written pledge promising that they aren’t participating in the boycott.
Similar policies have been approved in 25 other states, but federal courts have struck down measures in Arizona and Kansas on free speech grounds.
