The House of Representatives today defeated an amendment to delete the word “religion” from the public accommodations section of the Civil Rights Bill. The amendment was defeated by a vote of 156 to 64.
The amendment, which was offered by Rep. Thomas G. Abernethy (D. Miss.) would have made possible a continuation of discrimination against religious minorities, including Jews, at such places as hotels, motels and resorts.
Urging that the amendment be defeated, Congressman James C. Corman (D., Calif. said: “Religious freedom is a most important freedom, and it cannot exist if we permit discrimination against one because of his religion, and all that this amendment does is permit it discrimination) to exist.”
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.
