Political boycotts, including boycotts of foreign countries, have played a pivotal role in this nation’s history - from boycotting British goods during the American Revolution to the Montgomery Bus Boycott of the Civil Rights Movement. The Supreme Court has made clear that the First Amendment protects the right to participate in political boycotts, two federal courts blocked state laws seeking to suppress boycotts of Israel on First Amendment grounds. If the First Amendment means anything, it’s that the government cannot suppress political expression it doesn’t like.

It’s unacceptable that lawmakers would attempt to stifle our freedom of expression - especially as its first priority. I urge you to oppose any effort allowing the government to treat Missourians differently based on the peaceful expression of our political positions. Our First Amendment rights are at stake.