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Source: http://thelawfareproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Illegality_of_BDS_NYS.pdf
The Illegality of BDS in New York State
(Lawfare Project) Proponents of boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel claim that such actions are protected by the First Amendment, and that the application of state anti-discrimination laws to prohibit or penalize BDS activities is unconstitutional. In the context of BDS activity perpetrated in New York State, existing state law expressly prohibits discriminatory commercial conduct aimed at disadvantaging others because of their national origin. The statutory prohibition is limited to business activity and does not forbid advocacy, picketing, or other forms of speech. Section 296 (13) of New York State's Human Rights Law, commonly referred to as the "Arab Boycott Law," was enacted to curtail Arab boycotts of Jewish-owned businesses. Courts have steadfastly affirmed that section 296(13) must be read broadly to include and prohibit discrimination in all forms of commercial activity and business practices. It is irrelevant that the impetus for the boycott may be disagreement with the actions of the Israeli government.