TAKE ACTION: Tell Your Legislators to Support HB 1460 and Defend Free Speech!

The Maryland General Assembly is considering House Bill 1460, critical legislation that upholds our constitutional right to engage in boycotts as a form of political expression. This bill ensures that Maryland’s state procurement process does not force individuals or businesses to certify that they will not engage in boycotts of foreign countries.

Boycotts have long been a powerful tool for social and political change, from the Civil Rights Movement to the fight against apartheid in South Africa. However, recent attempts to silence advocacy—particularly efforts to boycott foreign governments engaged in human rights violations—threaten our fundamental rights. HB 1460 reinforces that Maryland will not use its contracting process to punish individuals or businesses for their political beliefs or advocacy.

Why HB 1460 Matters:

✅ Protects Free Speech – The Supreme Court has affirmed that boycotts are a form of constitutionally protected political speech. HB 1460 ensures that Maryland does not compel speech or restrict participation in advocacy movements.

✅ Prevents Discrimination Based on Political Beliefs – The bill stops the state from conditioning contracts on whether a business or individual supports or opposes a boycott of a foreign country.

✅ Maintains Maryland’s Commitment to Justice – This legislation ensures that Maryland remains a state that values human rights and civic engagement, rather than penalizing advocacy on behalf of oppressed communities worldwide.

Take Action Now!

Click, sign, send and share this email to your state legislators urging them to support HB 1460 and defend Marylanders' right to engage in political advocacy without fear of state retaliation.

📞 Call  House Health & Govt. Operations Committee Members:

Committee Chair Pena-Melnyk 410-841-3502

Committee Vice Chair Bonnie Culson 410-841-3883

Committee Members: https://bit.ly/houseHGO

Urge them to vote YES on HB 1460.

✉️ Send an Email: Use our template to tell your representatives why protecting free speech matters.

📢 Spread the Word: Share this action alert with your community and on social media.

Don’t let Maryland be complicit in silencing political advocacy! Act now to support HB 1460 and protect our right to boycott.