Los Angeles, CA, October 6, 2005 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) applauded Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for signing into law a bill that prohibits a life and disability insurer from denying a policy to anyone traveling to a country on the U.S. State Department Travel Advisory List unless the risk of exposure has been substantiated. 

The countries on the list, which include Israel, have not been shown to have higher fatalities among tourists than any other destination.

"This law is critical to stop injustice against travelers.  It is preposterous to routinely deny coverage based on past or future travel to Israel or any other country on the U.S. State Department Travel Advisory List without showing real increased risks," said Amanda Susskind, ADL Los Angeles Regional Director.

"We are very pleased with the outcome and proud of the role we were able to play to end this injustice against travelers," added Jonathan Bernstein, ADL San Francisco Regional Director. "It is not right to deny coverage based on any past or future travel without showing real risks."

ADL advocated strongly on behalf of the bill (SB1105) by providing testimony and meeting with members of the state Senate's Insurance Committee, leading to its swift passage in both houses of the California Assembly.  Similar bills have already passed in Illinois, New York and Washington.