DALLAS (1080 KRLD) - The law, which was passed by Texas in 2017, requires contractors certify that they do not and will not boycott the Jewish state as long as they're doing business with Texas.
In a 56-page opinion U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman of Austin said boycotts are protected free speech and declared the law fails to serve a compelling state interest.
The suit was filed by the ACLU of Texas on behalf of Bahia Amawi, a former Pflugerville speech pathologist who refused to sign the anti boycott addendum to her contract and was terminated.
ACLU of Texas attorney Tommy Buser Clancy says the state can say Israel is an ally, but "what is can't do, is it can't force its own citizens to agree with that position and to take away their free speech rights to engage in political consumer boycotts."
He says the law goes against the first amendment.
Governor Abbott proclaimed Israel when he signed the bill. A call to the Texas Attorney General's office, which defended the law in court was not returned.
Texas is, or perhaps was, one of 25 states with a similar law on the books.