Gay pride parade
Photo: Reuters
June Walker, President of HWZOA
Hadassah opposes anti-gay bias
Jewish women's group backs anti-discrimination legislation to protect homosexual partners
Hadassah, one of the United States' oldest and most active Zionist organizations, has approved a resolution calling for anti-discrimination legislation to protect what it called the "civil rights" of homosexual couples.
At the semi-annual midwinter meeting of the national board of Hadassah in Miami, Florida, January 15-17, the resolution called for "equal protection under the law, comparable to those afforded to heterosexual couples" for same-sex couples, and reiterated the organization's belief that discrimination based on race, religion, ethnic background or gender is immoral.
“Hadassah supports government action that provides civil status to committed same-sex couples and their families equal to the civil status provided to the committed relationships of men and women and their families," says the resolution, "with all associated legal rights and obligations, both federal and state.”
Strong majority
The resolution was supported by a strong majority of the 225 board members in attendance, and a press release issued by Hadassah said the resolution stemmed from the organization's staunch support for equality and fairness.
Hadassah national president June Walker said she was "proud" of the group for passing the resolution and said the move was a show of compassion.
“Since this organization’s inception, we have stood for the preservation of rights for all people and deeply abhor discrimination of any kind. We encourage our grass root membership around the country to work with their legislators to protect these rights. As Jews and women, we understand the dangers of bigotry,” she said.
More than a Zionist body
To some, the same-sex resolution may seem to have little to do with Hadassah's charter being that of the Women's Zionist Orgnization of America, but National Public Affairs Director Roberta Elliott says there is no contradiction between the resolution and Hadassah's main identity.
"Our basic mission is indeed Zionist," says Elliott, "and more specifically practical Zionism. (But) since 1925 we have had a vibrant domestic affairs program as well, and we advocate on the federal, state and local level for issues that affect women, families and the Jewish community.
"This is one of those issues about which we feel it is important for us to take a stand. We feel all forms of discrimination are immoral and that we as women, Zionists and Jews, three groups who have all experienced bigotry, should be at the vanguard of those protecting human rights," she said.
