Maryland’s legislature has adopted a measure that attempts to block Arab boycott activities designed to dis criminate against American citizens in the state because of their race, religion, creed, or national origin. Governor Marvin Mandel is expected to approve the legislation which was unanimously adopted by the 47-member Senate and by 100-5 in the House of Delegates.
Senate President Steny Hoyer sponsored the bill in the Senate with 15 colleagues. In the House Speaker John Hanson Briscoe led the sponsors. Similar legislation has been adopted by the states of New York and Illinois and is under consideration in others. Hearings were held by both houses at Annapolis on the legislation.
In the Congress, bills are pending in both houses that are intended to bar discrimination by foreign entities, such as the Arab boycott organization, against American businesses and individuals engaged in trade with Israel.
Opposition to the Maryland bill came principally from the Maryland Port Administration. Its officials held that it could hurt port business. Baltimore is one of the busiest ports on the East Coast. However, Maryland legal experts indicated that the law will meet all Constitutional tests that might deal with foreign commerce or the foreign policy of the U.S. since it is limited to cases involving Marylanders who may comply with Arab boycott demands or those victimized by them.
Under the Maryland bill, individuals convicted of violations could be imprisoned for up to six months and fined up to $50,000. In addition, the state’s Attorney General could seek court injunctions to end such practices.
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