Letter: Do not diminish peaceful protesting

A bill in the Iowa Legislature, SF 2281, will limit the free expression of political thought, action and free speech by Iowans and Iowa businesses.

The bill is directed against the 10-year-old BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions) movement that protests human rights abuse by the current Israeli government. The bill provides sanctions against people and companies that participate in this protest.

The BDS protest is directed against Israeli government actions that violate United Nations resolutions and use unnecessarily violent and repressive measures against civilians of all ages.

BDS makes a political statement in support of human rights. It is a peaceful, non-violent call to action, similar to those of labor unions and other movements in the United States.

The right to conduct peaceful, lawful protest is part of our American heritage and should not be diminished. The state should not punish Iowans who speak out and lobby in support of BDS activities.

Robert Diedrichs

Cedar Falls