NJ Moves Closer To Banning Saudi-Backed Golf Event In State

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — A bill that looks to ban clubs from hosting the controversial LIV Golf Tournament in New Jersey was approved by a senate panel last week.

Former President Donald Trump’s golf club in Bedminster hosted the tournament in July.

The bill was introduced by South Brunswick’s Sen. Andrew Zwicker (D-Middlesex, Mercer, Somerset, Hunterdon) and Sen. Richard Codey (D-Essex/Morris). More: Bill To Ban Saudi-Backed Golf Event At NJ Clubs Proposed By Lawmakers

The legislation would prohibit organizations operated by foreign wealth, such as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, from hosting sporting events in the state.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), is among the largest funds in the world and is primarily funded through the country’s fossil fuels supply and exports.

Zwicker and Codey said they introduced the legislation due to Saudi Arabia’s troubling human rights record.

The bill was passed out of Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee by a 3-2 vote.

“This legislation will prohibit the Saudi PIF from using New Jersey or its sporting organizations in any shameful ‘sportswashing’ endeavors,” Zwicker said.

“I have been contacted by families who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks that are outraged by a sports competition bankrolled by a repressive government and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.”

Survivors and families of 9/11 protested the Saudi-backed LIV tournament in New Jersey. According to FBI documents declassified under President Joe Biden, the 9/11 hijackers received support from Saudi nationals leading to the terrorist attack. More: 9/11 Survivors To Protest Saudi-Backed Golf Event At Trump's NJ Club

Zwicker said he saw no reason why the tournament should be held in New Jersey.

Under the bill, the Attorney General would have the authority to monitor and ensure compliance with the bill’s provisions by a county, municipality, political subdivision, organization, property owner, and permit or license holder.

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