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Kentucky becomes 22nd state to officially enact anti-BDS law

“My colleagues and I condemn the BDS movement, and we have sent a letter to the Office of Foreign Asset Control requesting an update on the federal government’s oversight of non-governmental organizations engaged in anti-Semitic hate against our allies in Israel and the Jewish people worldwide,” said Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) at the signing ceremony.

Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin. Credit: Gage Skidmore/Flickr.
Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin. Credit: Gage Skidmore/Flickr.

Kentucky became the 22nd state to enact legislation prohibiting state contractors from boycotting Israel. About a half-dozen other states have executive orders or resolutions.

“Kentucky condemns the #BDS movement and refuses to tolerate boycott-related tactics used to threaten the sovereignty and security of @Israel or other allies of the United States,” tweeted Gov. Matt Bevin (R).

“My colleagues and I condemn the BDS movement, and we have sent a letter to the Office of Foreign Asset Control requesting an update on the federal government’s oversight of non-governmental organizations engaged in anti-Semitic hate against our allies in Israel and the Jewish people worldwide,” said Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) at the bill’s signing ceremony.

StandWithUs CEO and Co-Founder Roz Rothstein tweeted that the enactment was “great news.”

The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations also applauded the Aug. 27 move.

The legislation codified into law an executive order that Bevin signed in November to prohibit awarding state contractors who partake in the anti-Israel movement.

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