The State Senate approved this week a substitute “anti-boycott” bill filed by Sen. Jack Beckman which would outlaw discriminatory practices by Massachusetts firms against other Massachusetts companies and individuals as a result of the Arab boycott. The measure was filed in behalf of the Jewish Community Council and other groups who have been working to ban such practices. The bill was approved by the unanimous vote of the Senate. After approval by the House, the bill will go to the Governor for signature.
The bill would prohibit companies doing business in Massachusetts from making an agreement with a foreign person to discriminate against Massachusetts companies or persons on the basis of such person’s race, religion, sex, national origin or foreign trade relationships. The bill would also prohibit any person from aiding or abetting others in carrying out the boycott. It would also apply to employment discrimination. The bill provides for action by the Massachusetts Attorney General to enforce the statute and includes provisions for treble damages for willful violations.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
