Watching BDS like a Hawkeye: Iowa takes stand

Iowa last week became the latest state to pass legislation designed to undermine the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. In a 38–9 vote with three excused absences, the Iowa Senate passed one of the strongest anti-BDS bills in the country. While all nine “no” votes came from Democrats, thae party controls the State Senate with a 26–24 majority.

The now heads to the desk of Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, who is expected to sign it.

In New York, the Republican Senate has passed an anti-BDS bill, but an identical measure is bottled up in the Democratic Assembly.

The law would prohibit the Hawkeye state from both investment and contracting with companies participating in BDS, either against Israel proper or “territories controlled by Israel.” The bill also prohibits secondary boycotts by extending its ban to boycotters of those who do business in Israel or the “territories.”

“This bill ensures the State of Iowa will not support those that participate in campaigns fueled by intolerance and anti-Semitism—like the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The passing of this new law sends a clear message against the bigotry and discrimination of the BDS movement,” said Peggy Shapiro, central region director of the pro-Israel education and advocacy group StandWithUs. “We welcome the fact that Iowa is joining Illinois, South Carolina, Florida, Arizona, and almost 20 states which have either passed or introduced similar legislation which rejects the boycott campaign.”

Shapiro credits numerous community organizations for providing grassroots support for the Iowa bill, and particularly the Israel Allies Foundation for its leadership on the issue.

Speaking in favor of the bill, State Senate floor manager Jeff Danielson noted that BDS “is a movement that hopes to economically destabilize Israel and the Middle East,” and that no Iowa assets should be involved in such an effort. The bill was also sponsored by State Rep. Quentin Stanerson, who acted as its Senate floor manager.