Citing free speech, Texas judge blocks law designed to counter Israel boycott
A federal judge has blocked enforcement of a #TX law that requires contractors to certify that they don’t support a boycott of #Israel.
In a 56-page opinion filed Thursday, #US District Judge Robert Pitman of #Austin said boycotts are protected free speech, declaring the law fails to serve a compelling state interest.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas filed the federal suit in December against Texas Attorney General #KenPaxton and others. It argued the law forces people to choose between their First Amendment rights and their livelihoods.
A federal judge has blocked enforcement of a #TX law that requires contractors to certify that they don’t support a boycott of #Israel.
In a 56-page opinion filed Thursday, #US District Judge Robert Pitman of #Austin said boycotts are protected free speech, declaring the law fails to serve a compelling state interest.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas filed the federal suit in December against Texas Attorney General #KenPaxton and others. It argued the law forces people to choose between their First Amendment rights and their livelihoods.