Congress Withdraws Bill Criminalizing Anti-Israel Boycotts Amid Backlash

A bipartisan bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that sought to criminalize participation in anti-Israel boycotts was pulled from a scheduled vote after significant backlash from conservative lawmakers and activists, who argued it violated Americans’ First Amendment rights. The International Governmental Organization (IGO) Anti-Boycott Act, co-sponsored by both Republican and Democratic legislators, would have penalized U.S. citizens and businesses for supporting boycotts imposed by international organizations like the United Nations or European Union against U.S. allies, including Israel. Critics, including Republican Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Anna Paulina Luna, as well as conservative commentators like Charlie Kirk, contended that the bill threatened free speech and the right to boycott, a fundamental aspect of American democracy. Supporters of the bill defended it as a measure against antisemitism and international pressure on U.S. allies, but critics warned it would set a dangerous precedent by punishing Americans for their political choices. Free speech organizations and pro-Palestinian groups also denounced the bill, highlighting its potential for excessive penalties, including hefty fines and prison time. Ultimately, the widespread opposition from various political and advocacy groups led House leadership to remove the bill from consideration.