ADL in S.F. gets national group to champion gay rights

As part of its agenda to promote equal rights, the S.F.-based Anti-Defamation League has put forth a measure to advocate for same-sex couples.

The push has proven successful -- all 30 regions of the national organization have decided to follow its lead.

At the agency's annual meeting in New York earlier this month, close to 200 ADL representatives enthusiastically approved the measure unanimously and without discussion.

The ADL will now become a vocal supporter of domestic partners, who normally lack the rights, recognition and benefits provided to heterosexual couples married under the civil and common law.

"I was impressed by the positivity -- there weren't any rumbles and grumbles," said Dr. Michael J. Franzblau, an ADL board member for the local Central Pacific region, who attended the meeting.

"Many people in the room are very high-profile attorneys who are very good at litigating and who make a point to find a pro and con." On this issue, however, "there were no negative comments," he said.

"I see this as a very important action for the ADL. We reach out to groups in the community suffering from defamation and discrimination. Gays and lesbians are one of those communities."

Jonathan Bernstein, regional director, agreed that the unanimous approval is an affirmation of "the ADL's commitment to fighting bigotry of all kinds."

"There's not a unanimous opinion on this subject in the country at large," he said, "but as a civil rights agency we agree" that committed same-sex partners should be afforded the same rights as married couples.

"While the ADL is a Jewish organization, we've learned that to fight anti-Semitism, you really have to combat all kinds of hatred," Bernstein added. "Those who hate Jews are just as likely to hate gays, lesbians -- you fill in the blank. If you approach this battle looking at just one issue, you might end up losing the war."

According to the ADL resolution at least 30 local governments throughout the country, including San Francisco, have granted certain domestic partnership benefits to city employees. (And Gov. Gray Davis just signed similar landmark legislation for California state employees.)

However, in March 2000, California voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 22, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

The majority of same-sex couples working in the private sector are still legally denied health insurance, life insurance, pension benefits and the right to take a leave to care for a sick or disabled family member. They are also not often legally recognized in situations involving child custody, medical decisions, burials and inheritance.

Now that the measure has been approved, the ADL will fight to extend these rights.

"Certainly we will be involved in whatever coalitions are working on this issue and stand with them in support," said Karen Zatz, associate director for ADL's Central Pacific region. "We will also get involved in legislative and government affairs, and help individuals coming to us for assistance."

Discussing a recent California court decision in San Diego, which has the potential to render second-partner adoption invalid, Zatz added: "Our new resolution will allow us to support a lesbian or gay couple who wants to adopt. It opens up a whole new area for us to advocate."

Franzblau stressed that this is more than just a "do-good thing" or a bunch of empty words on paper.

"Support of agencies like the ADL just increases the legitimacy of the fight at the city, state and country levels," he said. "Look at the fight against segregated schools, for instance. After the court case of Brown vs. the Board of Education, everything changed."

San Francisco Supervisor Mark Leno, who is Jewish and gay, praised the ADL's new policy, calling it "great news" for same-sex partners.

"It's a matter of fairness," he said. "Equal benefits for equal work."

Leno, a candidate for State Assembly, said the ADL's decision will send a particularly strong message since the issue of adding sexual orientation to hate crime legislation is currently being debated in the United States Congress.

"As a Jewish gay man I am heartened to see the leadership that the Jewish community has exhibited on this issue."