Home » Take Action » Become a Student Activist » Case of the Month Archives » April 2000
Frequently Asked Questions in the Cuba Ordinance Case
Are there other state or local governments with similar laws on the books?
Yes. In recent years, some cities, including New York, San Francisco, and one state -- Massachusetts -- have passed laws that prohibit public contractors from buying products or doing business with the military dictatorships in Burma. Indonesia, China and Nigeria are also being targeted by other municipalities for economic sanctions. Later this month, in fact, the Supreme Court will consider the same argument that is being made by ACLU in the Cuba Ordinance Case to decide whether the Massachusetts ban interferes with foreign trade policy. Legal experts say the ruling may affect the constitutionality of the county's ban. During the 1980s anti-apartheid campaign, 130 cities and 28 states imposed similar economic sanctions against the South African government. However, unlike the county ban here, those local sanctions were consistent with foreign policy dictates of the federal government.
Who, as stated in the resolution, is exempt from the ordinance?
Contracts with air carriers that fly to and from Miami International Airport are exempt from the Cuba restrictions.
Who does the Cuba ordinance affect?
The ordinance affects all individuals and organizations, both non-profit and for-profit corporations, who wish to invite, present, exhibit, promote, produce cultural events involving, directly or indirectly, Cuban nationals.
What were commissioner's intentions when passing the law?
Commissioners passed the ordinance to make sure that local tax dollars were not used to subsidize oppression in Cuba. Those who voted for the restrictions say they believe that political leaders should not support the immoral positions of governments that tolerate human rights violations.
