In a landmark decision, the Iowa City Council voted unanimously to pass a resolution that will boycott investments in bonds and companies complicit in ‘Israel’s’ actions in Gaza.
The resolution’s passage places Iowa City in direct conflict with Iowa’s 2016 anti-BDS law, which prohibits state entities from contracting with or investing in companies that boycott ‘Israel’. This has led to concerns from some council members about the potential for state and federal funds to be withheld.
Given the history of Governor Kim Reynolds and Attorney General Brenna Bird using their offices to combat progressive local policies, a legal challenge from the state is considered highly likely . This brewing conflict is set to be a key test case for anti-BDS laws nationwide.
I hope they can bring this to fruition. The entire world has dragged their heels when it comes to ethics and morality here. In Ireland we are having an uphill battle for years to get our government to pass such legislation. Something like this could help us do the same thing here, who knows.
