Signature by Gov. David L. Lawrence yesterday put on the Pennsylvania statute books a Sunday “Blue Law” which makes no provisions for exemption for businessmen observing a day other than Sunday as their Sabbath.
The new law provides fines and jail sentences for Sunday retail sale of most items except foodstuffs, drugs, novelties and souvenirs. Under the new law, the fine for a first offense is increased from four dollars to $100. A second offense is punishable by a fine of $200 or 30 days in jail.
The legislature rejected an amendment to the bill offered by Rep. Maurice Goldstein which would have exempted from the law those who observe the Sabbath on a day other than Sunday.
The American Jewish Outlook of Pittsburgh sharply criticized the legislature for this action, declaring that “our legislators have not met the issue in a constitutional or democratic manner. Until they do this, the issue will not be settled. Both religious and economic values suffer in the meantime. “
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.
