Kobach leads 15 AG coalition demanding Bank of America cease debanking conservatives

TOPEKA - (April 16, 2024) - Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach today issued a letter to the Bank of America requesting that it provide a coalition of state attorneys general with a written report about its account policies and practices, update its terms of service to state that it doesn't discriminate against customers for their religious or political views or speech, and remove prohibitions on "intolerance" and "hate" from its online banking service agreement. Attorneys general from 14 other states joined the Kansas AG in the letter.

"Bank of America's practice of cancelling the bank accounts of conservatives and even turning over information about customer's purchases to federal law enforcement undermines free speech, religious freedom and the right to privacy. It's discriminatory and likely illegal. As state attorneys general, we will vigorously defend the constitutional rights of all Americans when they are threatened by big business," Kobach said.

According to the letter, Bank of America has consistently discriminated against groups for political and religious reasons. The nation's second largest bank has denied services to gun manufacturers, fossil fuel producers and contractors for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It also canceled the accounts of Christian ministry groups, saying that one such group that trains pastors is "operating a business type we have chosen not to service."

Outrageously, the nation's second largest bank also voluntarily cooperated with the FBI and U.S. Treasury to profile conservative and religious Americans as potential domestic terrorists.

The letter warns that Bank of America's actions are exposing it and its shareholders to legal liability under consumer protection and anti-discrimination laws. It contends that the bank is using its power to punish conservative and religious customers.

"This not only undermines free speech and religious freedom, but also is potentially illegal and could lead to investigations, litigation, regulation, and political backlash," the letter reads.

The attorneys general seek a response from Bank of America within 30 days.

Kobach lead the letter. He was joined by attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.

Read the full letter here.

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