Dear New York MoveOn member,
On Sunday, Gov. Cuomo signed an executive order that punishes organizations involved in non-violent political action. The executive order will make the government create a list of all businesses and groups engaged in the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movement. Then, it will force all executive branch agencies and departments to cut contracts with any companies and organizations on this list. [1] This order comes on the heels of unsuccessful attempts of the New York legislature to pass anti-boycott legislation.[2]
Sign this petition to demand Gov. Cuomo immediately reverse his attack on nonviolent political speech and actions:
We demand an immediate reversal of your executive order against the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movement for justice. BDS is an economic form of political action taken by Palestinian activists and allies to draw attention to the injustices facing Palestinians. Forcing the state to punish peaceful political action and dissent runs against our fundamental democratic principles and has far-reaching consequences for freedom of speech.
The BDS movement provides a form of nonviolent political expression and action that allows people of conscience to participate in the ongoing Palestinian struggle for justice. In recent years, the movement has gained traction, including among young people across university campuses and large organizations such as the U.S. Presbyterian Church and United Methodist Church.
No matter what one thinks of the BDS movement, this compilation of blacklists, by government agencies, of organizations and groups participating in a campaign of political dissent recalls the McCarthy era, attempting to stifle political opinions and actions. After other unsuccessful legislative attempts, this executive order is yet another blatant attempt to curb the rights of Palestinian activists and allies as they seek to highlight the injustices perpetrated against Palestinians.
Sign to demand that Governor Cuomo immediately reverse this executive order and, instead, stand with everyday New Yorkers who need to be able to dissent and take action on their political beliefs without being reprimanded by the government.
Thanks!
—Iram Ali
