A Reform Jewish organizational leader testified in favor of legislation banning employment discrimination against gays and lesbians.
Rabbi David Saperstein, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, testified at a House Education and Committee hearing Sept. 23 in favor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would make it illegal for employers to hire, fire, demote or refuse to promote an individual based on his or her real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
Saperstein specifically noted the exemption for religious organizations in the bill, which he called “an essential part of this legislation.”
“We oppose discrimination against all individuals, including gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender men and women, for the stamp of the Divine is imprinted on the souls of each and every one of us,” Saperstein added. — jta