On July 29, the government of Arizona will enact Senate Bill 1070, also known as Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act. The law
addresses immigration control and regulation, which was traditionally a federal
responsibility.
This law makes Arizona the first state to require all aliens to
carry immigration documents at all times; immigrants who cannot produce
proper documents will be charged with a misdemeanor.
Numerous groups from all over the world fiercely oppose this bill; about 20 cities throughout the U.S., universities, professional associations, and civil rights organizations have all approved boycotts as part of an international strategy to defeat it.
Among musicians, Rage Against the Machine's Zack de la Rocha has drawn the biggest opposition. Via The Sound Strike, he called upon artists to boycott the state and “take action to defend civil and human rights.”
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Zack de la Rocha for the Sound Strike
Zack De La Rocha for The Sound Strike from Producciones Cimarrón on Vimeo.
The new list of artists who have decided to NOT
perform in Arizona includes Nine Inch Nails, Chris Rock, Maroon 5, Gogol Bordello, Ben Harper and My Morning Jacket. According to the Sound Strike, “the boycott is the most effective
form of non-compliance with a law that threatens the civil and human
rights of everyday people living within the state, including the fans
of our music, whom we cherish and respect.” More artists can sign
up here to join the strike; everyone else can still sign
the petition and join the
campaign.
Conor Oberst for the Sound Strike
Conor Oberst for The Sound Strike from Producciones Cimarrón on Vimeo.
Ozomatli for the Sound Strike
Ozomatli for The Sound Strike from Producciones Cimarrón on Vimeo.
