The New York State Assembly approved today by a vote of 120 to 26 a Fair Sabbath practices bill. The measure goes to the State Senate next week. Governor Nelson Rockefeller has said he would sign such a measure if it was approved by both houses of the Legislature. The measure provides for local option handling of the issue. It was sponsored by the Assembly Rules Committee.
The bill permits cities, towns and villages to allow stores to open on Sunday provided that the store operator keeps another day of the week as holy time. Such labor, trade or business must be conducted as a normal routine as a means of occupation of the proprietor and members of his family.
Howard H. Squadron, chairman of the Metropolitan Council of the American Jewish Congress, one of the Jewish organizations which has fought for such a measure, lauded the Assembly action and urged redoubled efforts by backers to help assure Senate approval.
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