The American Jewish Committee Hails the Defeat of the 'Religious Freedom' Amendment

American Jewish Committee
Thursday, 4 June 1998

The following statement was issued today by Bruce Ramer, National President of the American Jewish Committee:

"The American Jewish Committee hails the defeat of the so-called 'Religious Freedom' Amendment by a vote of 224 for, 203 against -- well short of the two-thirds vote necessary for it to go forward. The Members of the House of Representatives who voted 'no' deserve this nation's grateful appreciation for upholding the Bill of Rights against an unnecessary and dangerous alteration to that precious document for the first time in its 207-year history.

"The 'Religious Freedom' Amendment, rather then promoting religious liberty, would have put that liberty at profound risk, gravely undermining the principle of separation of church and state that has allowed religion to flourish in this country with unprecedented robustness and diversity. As members of a minority faith, we are acutely aware of the danger that is posed when government is allowed to bring its power and influence to bear in support of religious concepts and practices.

"Gratified as we are by the result of today's vote, we are saddened by the fact that a majority of the House of Representatives voted for an initiative that would have had the unfortunate, though unintended, consequence of reducing rather than increasing religious freedom in this nation. All Americans can breathe a sigh of relief that this initiative was defeated today."

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org