Human-Rights Groups Criticize Israel Nonprofit Law
July 13, 2011 | Read Time: 1 minute
Israeli nonprofit organizations risk losing tax benefits or opportunities to bid for government contracts if they support boycotts against the country under legislation approved Monday by Israel’s Parliament, The New York Times reports.
The measure–the latest in a string of bids by right-wing lawmakers to legislate against what they consider efforts to undermine Israel’s existence–effectively bans public calls for cultural, academic, and economic boycotts against the country or areas under its control.
Palestinian and international groups have stepped up calls for sanctions over Israel’s actions in the occupied territories, leading a number of artists to cancel scheduled performances in the country.
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel called the law “an antidemocratic step” aimed at chilling public discourse. It and other rights groups said they were preparing a court challenge.
