By Trish Svoboda

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, along with attorneys general from 14 other states, sent a letter to Bank of America today, April 16. The letter requests a written summary of the bank’s account policies and procedures. It also asks for an update to the bank’s terms of service to ensure it does not discriminate against customers based on their religious or political beliefs or speech. Furthermore, the letter requests the removal of the bans on “intolerance” and “hate” from its online banking service agreement.

The correspondence implies that Bank of America, the nation’s second-largest bank, has shown a continuous prejudice against specific groups based on their political and religious beliefs. It is reported to have denied services to various entities, including gun manufacturers, fossil fuel producers, and contractors for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In addition, it is accused of closing the accounts of Christian ministry groups, rationalizing that a group offering training to pastors represents a business category that the bank has chosen not to cater to.

Bank of America, has reportedly collaborated with the FBI and U.S. Treasury to label conservative and religious Americans as potential domestic terrorists. A letter warns that these actions could expose the bank and its shareholders to legal liability under consumer protection and anti-discrimination laws, as it appears to be punishing conservative and religious customers. The letter highlights that this not only undermines free speech and religious freedom but could also lead to legal and political consequences. The attorneys general are awaiting a response from the bank within 30 days.