Tell Gov. Cuomo New Yorkers have the right to boycott

On Sunday, entirely circumventing his own state’s constitutional process, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an Executive Order, paving the way to create a blacklist of organizations and companies that participate in the Palestinian call for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions from Israel.
 
The American Muslims for Palestine condemns Gov. Cuomo for putting Israel ahead of the interests of the citizens of his own state as well as all Americans. The new law requires that companies that divest from Israel or otherwise participate in the peaceful boycott be listed publicly, which could threaten their financial stability. They also would have to submit written evidence to be removed from the list.

Numerous legal groups, including Palestine Legal, have said the order is unconstitutional.

“This law is egregious in that it threatens American’s right to free speech,” said Dr. Osama Abuirshaid, AMP’s national policy director. “Boycott is legal in this country. In fact, the right to boycott is protected in the First Amendment. Gov. Cuomo has gone too far and shown he is more interested in furthering Israel’s agenda than in protecting Americans’ rights.”
 
Boycott has a long history in the United States, from the Civil Rights movement to helping to end South African Apartheid. Dissenting political views must be protected. AMP asserts the New York law smacks of McCarthyism and violates the rights of U.S. citizens.