Governor Walker Outlaws BDS in Wisconsin

In a move sure to annoy the academic left already hostile to him, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed an executive order effectively outlawing BDS in the state. “On October 30th, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed an anti-BDS measure, Executive Order 261, into law,” the Louis D. Brandeis Center reports. “The Executive Order states that agencies may not ‘execute a contract with a business entity if that entity is engaging in a boycott of Israel. Further, agencies shall reserve the right to terminate any contract with a business entity that engages in a boycott of Israel during the term of the contract.’”

“Governor Walker stated that, ‘We stand firmly against discrimination in any form and we wholly support our friends in Israel,’ and he looks forward ‘to leading a trade delegation to Israel to foster new trade partnerships between Wisconsin and Israeli businesses.’” Ironically, the language used by the boyish conservative Republican icon is absolutely touchy-feely compared to the anti-BDS measure signed by Maryland’s GOP Governor Larry Hogan, widely viewed as a moderate.

“On October 24th, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan signed an anti-BDS bill, Executive Order 01.01.2017.25, into law,” according to the Brandeis Center. “The Executive Order prohibits all executive branch agencies from entering into ‘contracts or conducting official state business with any entity unless they certify that they will not engage in a boycott of Israel during the duration of the contract.’ Governor Hogan stated that, ‘Israel is a robust democracy with many rights and freedoms that don’t exist in neighboring countries, or across much of the world. The shameful BDS [boycott, divestment, and sanctions] movement seeks to undercut those rights and freedoms, using economic discrimination and fear.’”