Oklahoma passes anti-BDS legislation

WASHINGTON – Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma has signed legislation that declares Israel is a prominent trading partner of the State of Oklahoma and the state, “and those companies that do business by and through the state, in the interest of the state’s economic policy, should not boycott trade with Israel.”

It also approves that the state will not sign any contract with a company, unless the company submits a written certification that it’s not currently engaged in a boycott of goods or services from Israel “that constitutes an integral part of business conducted or sought to be conducted with the state.”

The bill would “let everyone know that Oklahoma stands with Israel, and we will not do business with companies that boycott Israel and declares them as a prominent trading partner with our state,” Stitt said.

“Companies that refuse to deal with United States trade partners such as Israel make discriminatory decisions on the basis of national origin that impair those companies’ commercial soundness,” the bill reads.

According to the final version of the legislation, “Israel is known for its dynamic and innovative approach in many business sectors, and a company’s decision to discriminate against persons or entities doing business in Israel or in territories controlled by Israel is an unsound business practice making the company an unduly risky contracting partner.”

The American Jewish Committee praised the lawmakers for passing the law.

“Bravo to Oklahoma for passing important anti-BDS legislation,” the organization tweeted.

“Recent bills in Oklahoma and Missouri mean that 30 states have now passed bipartisan laws against the bigoted movement to boycott Israel.”