Leek, Cassel Push Strengthening Anti-BDS Law in Support of Israel

Sen. Tom Leek (R-Ormond Beach) and Rep. Hillary Cassel (R-Dania Beach) recently filed bills to show Florida's support for the Jewish State by expanding the state's existing anti-Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) law.

Tom Leek and Hillary Cassel, under SB 1678/HB 1519, would enhance the state's policy against opponents who participate in boycotts against Israel.

Florida's BDS law currently covers commercial boycotts. If passed, the legislation would also include academic institutions and non-profit organizations that participate in boycotts against the Jewish State.

In addition, the bill would ban state financial interactions with groups that boycott Israel or participate in antisemitic discrimination or behavior. The law would also apply to political subdivisions fomenting Jewish hate.

The bill would also require grant applications to comply with the state's anti-discrimination laws and attest against participation in boycotts or antisemitic behavior against Israel. It adds that violators would be subject to penalties and repayment of funds.

The bill comes after Cassel switched her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican in December over, in part, her former party's lack of support for the Jewish State.

"As a mother, I want to help build a world where our children are judged on their character and their actions not on their labels," Cassel said at the time.  "As a proud Jewish woman, I have been increasingly troubled by the Democratic Party’s failure to unequivocally support Israel and its willingness to tolerate extreme progressive voices that justify or condone acts of terrorism."

Another Florida lawmaker, Sen. Randy Fine (R-Melbourne), has been at the forefront of legislation against anti-Jewish bigotry, especially after the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

"We need to immediately expel any non-Americans who are or have advocated for Muslim terror as a first step," he told The Floridian in a text message. "We need to investigate and prosecute organizations on college campuses—includ[ing] those administrators and faculty that support them—and outside them that promote Muslim terror. 

If approved, the legislation would take effect July 1.