Providence voters approve mandatory municipal divestment initiative

Voters in Providence, Rhode Island, have overwhelmingly approved a ballot initiative, known as Question 7, requiring the city to divest municipal funds from countries and companies involved in human rights violations. The measure, which passed with approximately 75 percent support, targets entities profiting from genocide, apartheid, ethnic cleansing, and prolonged military occupation.

While the ballot language does not explicitly name Israel, organizers, including the Providence for Palestine coalition and Jewish Voice for Peace, stated the initiative is directed at the state due to its military operations in Gaza and the West Bank. Supporters identified roughly 2.5 million dollars in city funds currently invested in companies they believe are complicit in these violations.

The vote marks the first time a binding municipal divestment law of this nature has been passed through a popular vote in the United States. The outcome coincides with the election of David Morales, a socialist Democrat and supporter of the measure, as the city's incoming mayor.