On Aug. 3, Oak Parkers for Free Speech submitted 3,504 signatures to place this question on the Nov. 3 ballot: “Should the state of Illinois repeal laws that ban state investment in businesses that boycott the state of Israel?”
In 10 weeks, we collected far more than the 2,000 signatures required to qualify for an advisory referendum. Oak Parkers clearly want the opportunity to express our views on the Illinois Rauner-era anti-boycott law and to let state senators Harmon and Lightford and representatives Lilly and Ford know where we stand.
On Aug. 10, opponents objected to our referendum petitions. The objection does not challenge the referendum question itself or the authenticity of the signatures. Instead, it challenges the affidavit portion of our petitions in an effort to prevent Oak Park voters from having our say in November. In the days ahead, we will use every lawful means available to uphold the rights of the thousands of Oak Park voters who signed our petitions.
Notably, opponents have never defended the law itself. They have not explained why Israel, and only Israel, should receive special protection from boycott in Illinois state pension investments. Nor have they explained why pension investment decisions should be driven by political considerations rather than fiscal responsibility to taxpayers and pensioners.
If opponents support the current law, they owe voters an explanation: Why do they disagree with the ACLU, which states that boycotts are protected speech? Why should Israel be singled out for special protection from boycott? And why should Illinois state pensions be the avenue for political goals?
Instead, opponents claim the referendum is about Middle East policy. It is not. It is about an Illinois law that restricts the right to boycott, in violation of a unanimous 1982 Supreme Court decision that economic boycotts are protected free speech, and that directly impacts the pensions of current and retired Illinois state employees residing in Oak Park. These are issues for Oak Park voters, and we deserve to be heard.
We look forward to the village Electoral Board overruling the objection so that Oak Park voters have the opportunity to weigh in on this important question of free speech, human rights, and responsible public investment.
In today’s political environment, our institutions must stand firm against any and all efforts that undermine the public’s ability to choose and to be heard.
Jesse Bauer & Caren Van Slyke
Oak Parkers for Free Speech
opfreespeech.org