Opposition to Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation

With dissent from Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America

A fundamental teaching of our tradition is that each human being is created in the image of the Almighty. Deriving from this central teaching is the premise that a society that is committed to equal rights, justice, and opportunity is one that is most conducive to Jewish security and creative Jewish life.

This core principle informs the National Jewish Community Relations Advisory Council’s longstanding and deeply-held position in opposition to discrimination, based on race, religion, national origin, gender, and handicap, in the work place, public accommodation, housing, education, and other public and private sector settings.

Consistent with this broad policy in opposition to discrimination, the NJCRAC:

• opposes discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing, public accommodation, and education;

• supports legislation to bar discrimination in these areas;

• supports the incorporation in such legislation of exemptions, that may already exist in other civil-rights laws, designed to protect the right of religious institutions to carry out their religious purposes. 

Dissent

The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America abstains on this issue. We are opposed to discrimination and vigilantism against any individual or group. The Halacha, however, prohibits homosexual activity, and we cannot join in a statement that could be misinterpreted to imply otherwise. Several community member agencies also abstained.