New York, NY, July 13, 2004…The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) urged members of the Republican and Democratic Senate leadership to vote against the proposed Constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage.

In a July 12 letter, Barbara B. Balser, ADL National Chair, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, asked the Senators to reject any efforts to amend the Constitution to discriminate against a specific group of Americans and reminded them that discrimination based on sexual orientation is no different than any other form of discrimination.

"We urge you to vote against the proposed Constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage when it comes before the Senate," said Ms. Balser and Mr. Foxman.  "We believe that it is important to make sure the law is able to protect all members of society.  A Constitutional amendment banning gay marriage would have the opposite effect. 

"We oppose any effort to amend the United States Constitution in a manner that discriminates against a specific group of Americans.  That is exactly what the proposed amendment does.  It targets an entire class of people for social, economic, and civic discrimination in a way that is anathema to American principles of democracy. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is as ugly as any other form of discrimination. 

"Out of respect for the American tradition, we ask that you vote against this divisive and unnecessary amendment."

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.