North Miami Beach passes resolution not to do business with companies that blacklist

The North Miami Beach council has passed an ordinance preventing the city from doing business with entities that blacklist other businesses based on religion, race or national origin.

In addition, companies that do business with North Miami Beach will now have to certify they aren’t participating in any discriminatory activities.

“Not only does this send a loud message that the city will not tolerate and will condemn racism and antisemitism in every respect, but that we refuse to do business with any person or company that engages in this practice,” City Attorney Jose Smith said.

Councilman Anthony DeFillipo introduced the ordinance, which passed unanimously in both first and second readings. The second reading passed on Jan.19.

“I’d like to see the state join cities that have enacted this type of legislation and, similarly, would urge the federal government to enforce existing laws which prohibit boycotts of other countries, of course, with the exception those countries that the federal government deems to be engaged in terrorism,” Smith said.

Smith said the North Miami Beach pension board should now pass a resolution to make investments in companies that don’t engage in any discrimination.

North Miami Beach is the third city in Florida to pass legislation to counter the pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement affecting Israeli businesses and people.

This story was originally published February 4, 2016 at 8:39 PM with the headline "North Miami Beach passes resolution not to do business with companies that blacklist."