May 3, 2012
Reform movement spearheads faith letter to Obama on discrimination
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U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at a Cinco de Mayo reception in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington on May 3. Photo by REUTERS/Yuri Gripas
Nearly two dozen faith groups joined an initiative led by the Reform Jewish movement calling on President Obama to reconsider his decision not to issue an anti-discrimination executive order.
In Thursday’s letter, 23 organizations expressed disappointment that the president did not issue an executive order to include sexual orientation and gender identity as prohibited forms of employment discrimination practices by U.S. government contractors.
“We believe that no one should face discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity: Our various faith traditions and belief systems counsel the treatment of all people with dignity,” the organizations wrote.
The letter was spearheaded by the Reform movement’s Religious Action Center. Signatories included Christian, Muslim and Jewish groups.
In addition to a number of Reform-affiliated bodies, Jewish groups included the Reconstructionist movement, the Anti-Defamation League and the National Council of Jewish Women.
