Oak Parkers Deserve a Voice in November
On August 3, Oak Parkers for Free Speech submitted 3,504 signatures to place this question on the November 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 Illinois’ Rauner-era anti-boycott law and to let Senators Harmon and Lightford and Representatives Lilly and Ford know where we stand.
On August 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 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?
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.