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Source: http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Is-the-Israel-Anti-Boycott-Act-an-infringement-of-free-speech-501759
Is the Israel Anti-Boycott Act an Infringement of Free Speech?
(Jerusalem Post) Dr. Eric R. Mandel - Today, there is bipartisan support in Congress for updating the 1979 Export Administration Act prohibiting American corporations from cooperating with boycotts against Israel by foreign nations, the EU or the UN. No American should be compelled to acquiesce to a boycott ordered by a foreign entity. The Israel Anti-Boycott Act is bipartisan legislation currently supported by 42 senators and 247 members of the House. Opponents claim it seeks to impose an unconstitutional restriction on free speech. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio), who introduced the updated legislation, responded: "Nothing in the bill restricts constitutionally protected free speech or limits criticism of Israel...it is narrowly targeted at commercial activity and is based on current law that has been constitutionally upheld." The writer is director of MEPIN, the Middle East Political and Information Network.