In earlier filings, attorneys for the group that sued the Olympia Food Co-op over its boycott of Israeli goods argued that fines against the plaintiffs for filing an illegal SLAPP suit should be paid by the Co-op itself.
Judge Thomas McPhee ruled on February 27 that the lawsuit against the food co-op constituted an illegal ‘strategic lawsuit against public participation’ (SLAPP), because the plaintiffs filed the suit in an attempt to make it prohibitively expensive for the co-op to exercise its right to free speech. The ruling entitles the defendants, former and current members of the food co-op’s board of directors, to recoup legal fees and penalties from those suing.
In this case, the anti-SLAPP legislation protects the food co-op against the malicious lawsuit, but in an ironic turn, the plaintiffs contend that as members of the food co-op, they were suing on behalf of the store, and penalties for their illegal suit should be levied against the co-op itself.
“It’s completely absurd,” said Jeff Berryhill, a working member at the co-op. “The judge ruled that this is a SLAPP suit against the co-op, and still the plaintiffs are continuing to try to make this lawsuit hurt the store.”
Cezanne Murphy-Levesque says generally about boycotts that “I have an inherent desire to protect the human rights of all people, so I choose to participate. I believe I share this desire with most folks and this is why boycotts work.” Also, specifically about the current boycott: “I would like to see the Co-op do more to educate members and the greater community about past and current boycott participation. There is still a significant rift in the community regarding the Israeli product boycott. I think that the Co-op should consider another round of public meetings to keep the conversation going.”
Joshua Simpson has come out in strong support of the boycott, saying “I cannot think of a more peaceful way to oppose the occupation and oppression of the people of Palestine than continuing the current boycott” as an answer to our question.
Joseph Webster said in response to our question that “Any political entity guilty of injustice and oppression should be boycotted. In regard to the boycott of Israeli goods, I think the Co-op’s stand is correct because I do not think that any sane person on this planet would want to be treated as the Palestinians are, not even Israelis.”
Rob Richards was one of the board members who initially consented to institute the boycott, 
Allyson Ruppenthal has not made any statements on the boycott that we are aware of.
Keith M. Dublanica says in his statement in the Co-op newsletter that “I maintain concerns from issues with the boycott. I thought due process and appropriate communication to the membership was not visible.” Also, in a 
