Statement of Rabbi Abba Cohen, Washington Director and Counsel, Agudath Israel Of America; regarding House passage of H.R. 3865, Employment Nondiscrimination act:
It is extremely regrettable that the House passed the Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA). It is flawed legislation that, at the very least, puts into jeopardy the free exercise rights of certain religiously-connected charities, businesses and occupations. Indeed, the bill diminishes religious rights in favor of other civil rights.
Agudath Israel and other groups pointed to shortcomings of the original bill — particularly its inadequate “exemption” for religious organizations. We were pleased when some improvements were made. Nonetheless, the bill’s protection of religious rights remains seriously lacking, as we pointed out in formal communication with the House.
We will continue to press ahead on the Senate side, where we will seek to educate members as to the dangers of this legislation.
(YW News Desk)
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12 Responses
Will the “Lakewood Askonim” at the “Hillary Fundraiser” tonight ask her about her position on this abominable bill?
Please explain what this bill is and what we should do about it
The bill has a 50/50 shot of passing the senate, and is virtually guaranteed to be vetoed if it does.
The bill, which will be vetoed by Bush, grants equal rights under ENDA to people living an alternate lifestyle.
As an Orthodox Jews, I don’t like it.
As an attorney, I like it.
Living in a secular, non-denominational country, I like it.
Lawman – So I guess when you weigh your position as a frum jew vs your position as a lawyer, the lawyer side wins. Troubling…
Why would any Jew be against denying rights to another human being?
Lawman, why would you possibly like this bill?
“Lawman – So I guess when you weigh your position as a frum jew vs your position as a lawyer, the lawyer side wins. Troubling… ”
Chas v’shalom. I just have a lot of issues w/ the government legislating based on morals and religioun. From a legal perspective, the arguments I can make to support equal rights for alternative lifestyle couples far outweigh – in quality and quantity – those I can make against it.
Were we living in a country whose laws were founded on religion, I would feel differently. But, we don’t.
This country is based on equal rights and protections for all. Jews. Blacks. Women. And yes, gays. To the extent laws are in place that afford SOME persecuted minorities protection, the same protections must be afforded ALL classes of people who can show a history of discrimination.
The Constitution demands it.
Lefty, because this bill will deny rights to others to practice their religion freely, ie not be forced to surround themselves with immorality all day long.
Most certainly the United States was founded on religion, Lawman. In fact, religious freedom, more than anything else, led to this nation’s founding. I am an attorney too, and I would love to see your copy of the Constitution, because it seems to have a lot of Amendments to it that other copies don’t have.
Actually “lawman”, we ARE living in a country whose founding fathers were religious people.
“Alternative lifestyle” pigs need no additional rights that the rest of us do not enjoy. No “moral” (what an oxymoron) case can be made for that position.
> “Were we living in a country whose laws were founded on religion, I would feel differently. But, we don’t.”
Wrong. It is a mistake many make.
The Constitution and Declaration of Independence mention G-d Achod, the Creator, the rights of people to serve Hashem freely, the grace of one almighty creator, etc.
There is a shmus on this from the Lubavitcher rebbe zt”l, explaining that the original meaning in America of “Freedom” was freedom to serve Hashem in whatever manner you saw fit, freedom to *practice* religion, and clearly not freedom to fight religion. That definition came with “yeridat hadorot”.
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Lehavdil….
I have a mp3 of a speech from President Ronald Reagan regarding Democracy and moral values. He explains that belief in G-d, moral values, are the underpinnings of Democracy. He explains why, without belief in G-d, democracy *will cease to exist*.
lawman – you can choose how to make your money anyway you want – supporting Torah values or arguing against Torah values – I agree in the American society there is equal rights, however it does not mean that you need to defend them – the choice is yours