N.Y. Lawmakers Call On State To Reject Business With Companies Boycotting Israel
ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Some New York state lawmakers have called on the state to refrain from doing business with companies that are against Israel.
As WCBS 880's Stephanie Colombini reported, the lawmakers behind the bill said it would deny state contracts and investments from the state pension fund to companies that are boycotting Israel.
They said banning New York state money from businesses that do not support Israel is not violating those businesses' rights.
A cosponsor of the legislation, state Assemblyman Charles Lavine (D-Glen Cove) said the bill would protect one of America's strong allies, according to a Newsday report.
A few other states have similar bills aimed at blocking the so-called BDS, or Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, against Israeli occupation in the West Bank. Organizers of that movement say they are trying to end discrimination against Arab citizens in Israel.
