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.”
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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.
