The Ohio Senate has approved a bill targeting the anti-Israel boycott, divestment and sanctions movement. The bill passed Thursday by a vote of 26 to 5, and now awaits Gov. John Kasich's signature to become law, the Cleveland Jewish News reported Sunday. The state's House of Representatives passed the measure in November by a vote of 74 to 18. If the bill becomes law, Ohio will join 13 other states -- Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, New York, South Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Tennessee -- that have similar legislation in place. House Bill 476 bars the state from contracting companies that engage in or promote the boycott of Israel, and requires companies to state explicitly in contracts signed with the state that they are not involved in any BDS activity. Republican Representative Kirk Schuring was the bill's primary sponsor, and had 13 co-sponsors, including Republican Speaker of the House Cliff Rosenberger. Howie Beigelman, executive director of Ohio Jewish Communities, welcomed the results. "What a one-two punch to the BDS movement. First, Ohio becomes the latest state to pass legislation banning their discriminatory conduct. And then, it allows -- if it makes good financial sense -- for states and counties to invest in a proactive, positive action," he said in a statement quoted by the Cleveland Jewish News. The OJC, alongside Agudath Israel of America, American Jewish Committee, Christian Coalition of Ohio, Christians United for Israel, Hillel International, Israel Action Network, Israel Allies Foundation, Israel Leadership Institute, The Israel Project, JCPA, Orthodox Union, the Simon Wiesenthal Center, StandWithUs and the World Jewish Congress, all advocated for the legislation, the report said. Eric Fingerhut, president and CEO of Hillel International, lauded the vote, saying, "It's encouraging to see Ohio and many other states around the country taking this major step forward in reaffirming their strong alliance with the State of Israel. ... With the bipartisan support this legislation received, it is clear that a growing number of citizens and government leaders see the BDS movement for what it truly is. We call all those that are concerned with the future of Israel and its neighbors to join us in finding proactive solutions that bring peace and prosperity to people everywhere." The Israel Project commended the Ohio lawmakers on their decision. "The Israel Project congratulates the Ohio state legislature for passing a bill designed to prevent taxpayer dollars from flowing to entities involved in boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel. ... BDS is an anti-Semitic initiative designed to delegitimize and isolate the only Jewish state in the world. While atrocities and human rights violations are committed by governments across the world on a daily basis, Israel, a liberal democracy with universal rights, is the only country singled out by this prejudiced campaign. "The passage of today's legislation ensures that the state of Ohio will not stand idly by while such hatred is propagated, nor will it contribute funds to the continued demonetization of the only democracy in the Middle East." Israel Project CEO Josh Block added: "BDS is deceitful; it pretends to be a campaign for human rights, but this is an unequivocal lie. It is nothing but anti-Semitism, and I am thankful that the lawmakers in Ohio saw it for what it is. This is an important moment for the people of Ohio, and I applaud them for standing in solidarity against discrimination."
