Deval Patrick pens Sudan divestment bill into law
By Molly Ritvo
The Jewish Advocate
Massachusetts became the 21st state to support economic divestment from the Darfur region of Sudan last week. After acknowledging the brutality and human suffering afflicting the Darfur people in a short address at the State House on Nov. 2, Gov. Deval Patrick signed into law a bill ending Massachusett's investment in certain companies facilitating the genocide.
"We want to send a clear signal that we, like so many people around the world, expect swift action to end the suffering of the Sudanese people," said Patrick.
"The Sudanese government must take a strong stand against the genocide in their country and bring real relief and progress to the people of the region."
The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston has been actively lobbying for this divestment legislation, setting its passage as one of the organization's key agenda objectives for the current year.
Before signing the bill, the governor acknowledged the work of JCRC, singling out the efforts of JCRC Executive Director Nancy K. Kaufman.
"Kaufman is a force of nature and has been one of the leading activists leading to this day," said Patrick.
Kaufman told the Advocate prior to the event that she is proud to see "justice winning out" in Massachusetts.
"I am delighted to witness this," she said. "The Jewish community played a key role in making this legislation happen."
The bill was sponsored by a handful of state legislators, including Sen. Harriette Chandler (D-Worcester), Sen. Edward Augustus (D-Worcester), and Rep. Jay Kaufman (D-Middlesex).
"I am heartened to see this legislation be signed into law by the governor," Rep. Kaufman said before the governor signed the bill into law. "On both a personal and professional level, I am appalled that we are still faced with nation-states that practice genocide. Today, we are all sending a clear and strong message that the Commonwealth will no longer tolerate nor invest in regimes like the Sudan."
The law will, however, allow the Commonwealth to resume investing in affected companies when U.S. sanctions are lifted.
According to the Sudan Divestment Task Force founder Daniel Millenson, a junior at Brandeis University, Massachusetts will withdraw approximately $54 million in targeted holdings. Since the bill has been signed, the Commonwealth has become the 14th state to adopt a targeted divestment policy, which requires divestment from roughly two dozen of the highest offending firms.
Massachusetts State Treasurer Tim Cahill, whose public position on the legislation has vacillated over the past year, declined to comment on the passing of the divestment bill.
Meanwhile, Sen. Chandler said she believes the legislation will have an impact on those committing genocide and is a crucial step towards saving lives in Africa.
"Hundreds of thousands have been killed and millions have been displaced from their homes and villages, and the genocide has continued unabated," she said, speaking at the event. "This is one of those times when we can really make a difference."
And while the subject at hand was no laughing matter, the gathering at the State House displayed a light-hearted optimism.
"It is law," Patrick said smiling, as he penned his name to the bill.
