US Court Dismisses Suit Attacking Texas Anti-BDS Law

The Fifth Circuit Appeals Court dismissed a lawsuit challenging Texas’ anti-boycott law.

By JNS

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on Monday dismissed a lawsuit challenging Texas’ anti-BDS law, ruling that the lawsuit is moot because the legislation was modified.

The anti-BDS law was narrowed in May 2019 as Gov. Greg Abbott signed an updated version of the 2017 law, exempting individuals and smaller companies, specifically those with fewer than 10 full-time employees or valued under $100,000.

In the ruling, Judge E. Grady Jolly wrote that the pro-BDS plaintiffs—Bahia Amawi, John Pluecker, Zachary Abdelhadi, Obinna Dennar and George Hale—are no longer affected by the law and therefore “lack a personal stake in the outcome of this litigation.

“This case is thus moot, and we [vacate] the preliminary injunction order. Further, we [remand] the case to the district court to enter an appropriate judgment dismissing the complaints,” the court added.

The plaintiffs alleged that the anti-BDS law violated the First Amendment.

The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas ruled in April 2019 that the Texas law as it was initially drafted, prohibiting government contractors from boycotting Israel, was unconstitutional. The law was subsequently amended.

HELP ISRAELIS BATTLE CORONA!

Donate to the Corona Emergency Relief Fund. Coronavirus has taken a huge toll on the people of Israel. The poor, elderly and ill are most vulnerable.

Israeli soldiers, security officers and medical care providers operate under great danger and risk to life.

Over 1 million Israelis are out of work. Many cannot make ends meet. We provide financial aid, food, medical supplies and more. Funds are distributed where needed most. The time to act is now!

United with Israel extends a special note of appreciation to the Genesis Prize for their generous support.

CLICK HERE TO HELP THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL TODAY!

Send Passover Packages to Needy Israeli Soldiers - Bring Them Joy!

We are honored to thank the young men and women of the IDF who risk their lives every day to protect the citizens of Israel. Since October 7th, soldiers have been on the battlefield for months - many are hoping to come home for Passover.

Join us in sending Passover food packages (and personal notes) to Israeli soldiers and their families.

Many soldiers spend the Passover holiday with needy families back home. The soldiers greatly appreciate your love and concern. Bring them Passover joy!

CLICK HERE TO SEND YOUR PACKAGE AND NOTE TO ISRAELI SOLDIERS!