Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib evoked boycotts of Nazi Germany while speaking on the House floor against a resolution that will condemn the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement.
The BDS movement calls for a boycott of Israeli goods until they improve the living conditions for Palestinians, but many consider it anti-Semitic because it only targets the Jewish state.
“Dissent is how we nurture democracy. And grow to be better and more humane and just,” Tlaib stated. “This is why I oppose Resolution 243. All Americans have a right, a constitutional right guaranteed by the First Amendment to freedom of speech. To petition their government and participate in boycotts. Speech in pursuit of civil rights at home and abroad is protected by our First Amendment. That is one reason why our First Amendment is so powerful.”
Tlaib, as well as Democratic Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and John Lewis of Georgia introduced a counterresolution last week, implicitly supporting the movement. It did not name the movement, but it would reaffirm people’s right to boycott.
She continued, “Americans of conscience have long and proud history of participating in boycotts, specifically to advocate for human rights abroad. Americans boycotted Nazi Germany in response to dehumanization, imprisonment, and genocide of Jewish people. In the 1980’s, many of us in this very body boycotted South African goods in the fight against Apartheid. Our right to free speech is being threatened with this resolution.”
Later Tlaib warned that it could set a “dangerous precedent.”
