Governor LeRoy Collins signed into law an anti-discriminatory advertising bill passed by the State Legislature earlier this year, putting an end to religious discrimination in resort advertising.
The new law prohibits hotels and resorts from advertising that a prospective guest “is not welcome, or is objectionable or is not acceptable because of his religion.” Violators are guilty of a misdemeanor, subject to a fine of $500 and a 90-day prison term. The need for such legislation was expressed by the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai Brith, following a 1953 survey conducted by its Miami office, which showed a widespread use of anti-Jewish phraseology in tourist advertising throughout the state.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
